Defense leads Demons to 88-58 win over La. College in NSU Cenla Showdown

ALEXANDRIA – Northwestern State hadn’t played in 10 days before taking the court at Rapides Parish Coliseum Saturday afternoon, but the Demons’ defense picked up where it left off in an 88-58 win over Louisiana College in the NSU Cenla Showdown.

The Demons had held their last three opponents to an average of 63 points and bettered that while winning for the third time in four games. NSU (3-5) held LC (0-4) to 33 percent aim opening a 43-26 halftime advantage.

“Guarding down is one of the most difficult things to do,” said Demons’ coach Mike McConathy. “We’re not that big, but we were bigger than they were, and we made some progress in that area. We defended well.”

The margin reached 20 points for the first time on a pair of Darian Dixon free throws less than two minutes into the second half, and climbed to 30 with 6:02 remaining on a Brandon Hutton dunk for an 82-51 advantage.

Eleven Demons scored, with Dixon, a freshman forward, and Jalan West, NSU’s senior point guard, each posting 14 points. Ishmael Lane and Larry Owens both scored 13, with Lane recording his seventh career double-double by adding 10 rebounds.

West added a season-high nine assists with no turnovers in 20 minutes, and also snagged six rebounds, third-most for NSU. Dixon had seven boards.

“Our three low post guys (Dixon, Lane, Owens) produced like we wanted. They worked hard and did what we needed to accomplish inside,” said McConathy.

Dixon posted season-best scoring and rebounding totals, getting five offensive boards, and added two blocked shots in 18 minutes.

“He did a remarkable job,” said McConathy. “He’s a strong guy, a joy to coach because he takes coaching so well. He wants to get better, has a good feel for the game, great touch around the bucket, and he’s going to be a really good player for us.”

West already is. One of the most accomplished players in major college basketball, he drained 4 of 8 from behind the 3-point arc, 5 of 10 overall, as he settles in after missing the last two seasons due to knee surgeries.

“Nine assists, no turnovers. Jalan is finding himself again,” said McConathy. “It’s a growth process for him, as he comes back, and I’m proud of him for being patient. That’s the hardest thing for anyone, to be patient and not do too much too soon. He made some great passes today, and he continues to shoot extremely well from distance.”

The Demons posted a dominating 46-27 rebounding advantage and outscored LC 46-22 in the paint. Owens and Lane joined Dixon with two blocks apiece.

NSU won’t play again until next Saturday, going the other way up Interstate 49 to Shreveport. The Demons will take on LSU Shreveport in the Shreveport-Bossier Holiday Classic in a 5 p.m. contest at the Gold Dome on the Centenary College campus.