| MATCHUP | Nicholls State Colonels | Northwestern State Demons |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 9-13 | 6-15 |
| Where | Prather Coliseum, Natchitoches, LA | |
| When | Monday, February 2, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:30 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The Nicholls Colonels and the Northwestern State Demons will meet on Monday night in a Southland Conference matchup at Prather Coliseum in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
Northwestern Demons Betting Preview
The Northwestern State Demons enter Monday’s game with a 6–15 win-loss record, including a 4–8 mark in conference play and a 5–3 record at home. The Demons have compiled wins over Southern–New Orleans, Southeastern Louisiana and Ecclesia College, while dropping games to Texas A&M, McNeese, Southern and the California Golden Bears. Last month, in the Northwestern State Demons dominant 108–55 victory over Southern–New Orleans, Demons guard Micah Thomas amassed 20 points (6 of 11 shooting from the field), 2 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals illustrating his ability to lead the Northwestern State backcourt.
The Northwestern State Demons are averaging 69.1 points on 44.2 percent shooting from the field and 34.6 percent shooting from behind the arc per game. Shifting our focus to the defensive side of the basketball, the Demons are allowing opponents 78.1 points per game.
Senior guard Micah Thomas leads the Northwestern State Demons averaging 16.1 points, 1.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1 steal per game. Sophomore guard Justin Redmond provides the Demons with further backcourt versatility averaging 9.8 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1 steal per contest, while junior guard Izzy Miles is averaging 10 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.5 steals per game.
Nicholls Colonels Betting Preview
The Nicholls Colonels enter Monday’s game with a 9–13 record, including an 8–5 mark in conference play and an abysmal 4-10 record on the road. The Colonels have compiled wins over Texas A&M–Commerce, Lamar, Houston Christian and New Orleans, while dropping games to Southeastern Louisiana, McNeese, LSU and Louisiana. In the Nicholls Colonels 72–68 victory over Texas A&M–Commerce last week, Colonels guard Jalik Dunkley amassed 20 points (8 of 11 shooting from the field), 7 rebounds and 1 assist showcasing his ability to perform at a high level.
The Nicholls Colonels are averaging 71.9 points on 42.8 percent shooting from the field and 34.4 percent shooting from behind the arc. Defensively, the Colonels are allowing opponents 77.8 points per game.
Sophomore guard Jalik Dunkley leads the Nicholls Colonels averaging 13.9 points, 7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Senior guard Jaylen Searles contributes 14.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 steals per contest providing the Colonels with further backcourt depth.
Why the Northwestern State Demons Will Win
• Quality guard play. Senior guard Micah Thomas leads the Demons with 16.1 points on 43.9 percent shooting from the field per game.
• Balanced scoring. Micah Thomas, Justin Redmond and Izzy Miles combine for 36 points per contest.
• Home court edge. The Northwestern State Demons are 5-3 at home in 2025.
Why the Nicholls Colonels Will Win
• Backcourt production. Sophomore guard Jalik Dunkley leads the Nicholls Colonels averaging 13.9 points, 7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game
• Interior presence. Junior forward Dionjae Thomas contributes 11.1 points and 5.3 rebounds, giving Nicholls a reliable frontcourt option.
• Conference form. Nicholls is 8–5 in conference play this season.
Northwestern State Demons vs. Nichols Colonels
This matchup features the Nicholls Colonels quality perimeter shooting against a Northwestern State Demons team that has played significantly better at home this season. The Colonels three‑point volume gives the Colonels a path to victory, but Northwestern State’s home court advantage and more efficient offense present a difficult challenge for a Nicholls team that has been inconsistent on the road all season. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Northwestern State Demons in this game.