Northwestern State Women’s Basketball Secures Third Straight Win with Late Surge

In a thrilling display of tenacity and defensive prowess, the Northwestern State Demons secured their third consecutive victory in Southland Conference play with a 56-44 win over the Nicholls Colonels. This hard-fought victory, marked by a late-game surge, underscores the Demons’ commitment to defense and their ability to perform under pressure.

The game, held at Prather Coliseum, highlighted the team’s resilience and strategic execution, particularly in the final minutes.

Northwestern State’s Defensive Dominance

Northwestern State’s defense was the cornerstone of their success in this matchup. The Demons, known for their defensive capabilities, showcased their prowess by holding the Colonels scoreless in the last 5:17 of the game.

During this critical period, they forced six consecutive misses and three turnovers, effectively shutting down Nicholls’ offensive efforts.

Key Defensive Plays

The Demons’ defense was particularly effective against Nicholls’ leading scorer, Tanita Swift. Despite Swift’s strong start, scoring 11 points in the first 11:41, Northwestern State’s defense limited her to just six points for the remainder of the game.

This defensive effort was a team-wide endeavor, with Nia playing a pivotal role in guarding Swift.

Head coach Anna Nimz praised the team’s defensive commitment, emphasizing the importance of buying into the defensive strategy and executing it with precision.

The Demons’ ability to hold a high-scoring team like Nicholls to just 44 points is a testament to their defensive discipline and teamwork.

Offensive Highlights

While defense was the highlight of the game, Northwestern State’s offense also played a crucial role in securing the victory. The Demons scored 12 points in the final five minutes, breaking a 44-44 tie and pulling away from the Colonels.

Freshman Vernell Atamah and Mya Blake were instrumental in this offensive surge, each contributing 19 points.

Clutch Free Throws

Free throws were a significant factor in the Demons’ late-game success. Northwestern State made 17-of-19 free throws, including 10-of-11 in the final quarter.

Sharna Ayres, who had been relatively quiet for most of the game, hit four consecutive free throws to break the tie and give the Demons the lead. Atamah followed with a basket and a foul, extending the lead to seven points.

Transition Buckets

The Demons capitalized on their defensive stops by converting turnovers into transition buckets. Mya Blake highlighted the importance of these transition opportunities.

She noted that even if the initial transition didn’t result in a score, the team was able to move the ball effectively and find scoring opportunities in the ensuing scramble.

Rebounding and Team Effort

Rebounding was another area where Northwestern State excelled. The Demons out-rebounded Nicholls 42-27, including nine offensive boards.

This dominance on the glass provided additional scoring opportunities and helped the Demons control the pace of the game.

Individual Contributions

In addition to their scoring contributions, both Blake and Atamah pulled down nine rebounds each. Blake also dished out three assists, showcasing her versatility and all-around game.

Hardison, who played a key defensive role, matched a season high with eight points, further contributing to the team’s success.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, Northwestern State improved to 3-1 in Southland Conference play, their best start since the 2015-16 season.

The Demons will look to continue their winning streak as they head back on the road to face Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in their next matchup.

Team Confidence

The Demons’ recent success has bolstered their confidence, both in their defensive capabilities and their overall team performance.

Coach Nimz expressed pride in her team’s resilience and their ability to execute under pressure.

The team’s ability to lock down defensively and find scoring opportunities in critical moments will be key as they navigate the remainder of the season.

Future Challenges

As Northwestern State prepares for their upcoming game against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, maintaining their defensive intensity and continuing to capitalize on offensive opportunities will be crucial.

The Demons have demonstrated that they can compete with the best in the conference. Their recent performances have set a strong foundation for continued success.

For more detailed insights and a complete game recap, visit the original article on Bossier Press.