NATCHITOCHES, La. (November 24, 2024) – Less than 24 hours removed from a neutral site win over Louisiana-Monroe, the North Alabama men's basketball team suited up again to battle Northwestern State on the road. The Demons defeated the Lions 71-58 inside Prather Coliseum.
UNA (4-3) had the tall task of facing a fresher opponent, who lost 65-63 to ULM on Friday and had a day of rest between games.
The Demons (2-4) led most of the first half until fifth year senior
Will Soucie sank a three-pointer to put UNA ahead 29-28 at the break. Northwestern State possessed a slight lead most of the second half before eventually pulling away in the final eight minutes, thanks in part to its best defensive performance of the season.
For the first time all season, UNA shot below 40 percent from the field, going 22-59 from the floor (37.3) and 8-26 behind the arc (30.8). Northwestern State went 28-57 for nearly 50 percent.
Junior guard
Jacari Lane, a member of the Lou Henson Award early watch list, led the Lions with a game-high 14 points. Lane went 3-6 behind the arc. Soucie added 13 points, while redshirt sophomore
Corneilous Williams added six points and a game-high nine rebounds.
Northwestern State was led by four players in double figures, including sixth-man Chris Mubiru with 13 points.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half: Northwestern State's Jon Sanders and UNA's
Taye Fields traded threes to open the game, but the early signs of a high-octane affair were smothered in a defensive first half for both teams. Each team had an even half with 17 rebounds apiece and a similar shooting percentage, but the Demons led by single digits most of the first half. That changed in the final minute, as junior
Donte Bacchus swatted away a shot that later led to a three-pointer by Soucie with six seconds to go.
Second Half: The second half did not go as planned for the Lions, though the two sides went back-and-forth in the first part of the second half. With 9:50 to go, the home team went on an 8-0 run to take the first double digit lead of the game. UNA was unable to overcome the deficit.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- The lead changed four times, including three in the second half.
- UNA has led in every game at least once this season.
- Both teams had six steals and four blocks. Six different Lions recorded one steal, while Bacchus had two blocks.
- Northwestern State had a 37-31 advantage in rebounding.
- The Demons also recorded 21 assists, the most by a UNA opponent outside of No. 4 Auburn.
- Northwestern State is also the first team other than Auburn to win the turnover battle against UNA with a slight 12-11 advantage. The 11 turnovers matched Auburn for the fewest against UNA by an opponent this season.
- UNA had seven scorers at the half, and all seven scorers finished with at least five points.
- Today marks the only time UNA will play on back-to-back days this regular season.
COMING UP NEXT
The Lions are back home the day before Thanksgiving, kicking off the holiday with a game against Dalton State inside CB&S Bank Arena. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m.
UNA will host a canned food drive in the lobby of the arena, as fans are encouraged to bring and donate canned foods for those in need.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
