NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State used a 24-8 run over a 6:14 span midway through the second half to rally from a 46-43 deficit to McNeese and kept the gas on the rest of the way as the Demons avenged a loss in Lake Charles last Thursday night with an 89-75 Southland Conference win over the Cowboys on Thursday night.
 
McNeese (5-12, 2-2 SLC) lost for the second straight time while the Demons (10-7, 2-2) won its second consecutive time while snapping a four-game losing streak to the Cowboys.
 
The Cowboys led 35-34 at the half after 20 minutes of sloppy play by both teams that resulted in 26 total turnovers – 10 by McNeese and 16 by NSU.
 
For the third time in four league games, McNeese saw all five of its starters score in double-figures, led by Johnathan Massie's career-high 18 points. Christian Shumate added 15 while Trae English scored 14, Zach Scott 13 and Harwin Francois 11.
 
Francois, who entered the game ranked No. 1 in the league with 5.3 three-pointers made per game in SLC games only, was held to two treys on the night and just four attempts.
 
As a team, McNeese shot just 5 of 19 from three-point range, eight short of its average of 13 made 3s per game.
 
Ja'Monta Black scored 24 points to lead the Demons with two of his late second-half three-point baskets coming from well beyond the arc that kept NSU ahead by more than 10 points. Jalen Hampton added 22 points for the Demons while Demarcus Sharp scored 18.
 
McNeese shot 43.6 percent (25-55) for the game but only 37.9 percent (11-29) in the second half while NSU connected on 50.9 (28-55) for the game including a 53.1 aim (17-32) in the second half. The Demons also drained 13 of 24 from long range, 7 for 11 in the second half.
 
Northwestern State, who made 7 of its final 8 three-pointers for the game, dominated the glass by outrebounding McNeese 43-22, 17-10 on the offensive side.
 
Next up, McNeese will return home on Saturday when it hosts HCU at 3:30.