Preview: Northwestern State Demons at Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks NACOGDOCHES, Texas (Interstat) — A stark contrast in fortunes will be on display Monday night when the surging Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks host the struggling Northwestern State Demons in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game at William R. Johnson Coliseum. The Lumberjacks (17-3) enter as one of the Southland Conference’s hottest teams, having won nine of their last 10 games. Their most recent outing was an 88-81 road victory at Lamar on Saturday, powered by a 26-point, six-rebound, five-assist performance from guard Keon Thompson. Thompson has been instrumental in Stephen F. Austin’s success. In the teams’ first meeting this season, a 74-64 Lumberjacks win in Natchitoches on Dec. 31, Thompson scored 21 points and dished five assists. He is averaging 17.3 points over his last nine contests. Conversely, Northwestern State (6-13) looks to halt a two-game skid and find consistency in conference play. The Demons fell 82-80 at Houston Christian last Monday, a game in which they led by 16 points in the second half. It was a familiar pain for a team that has suffered six of its losses by six points or fewer. The Demons will lean on guard Micah Thomas, who has been a bright spot. Thomas is averaging 17.6 points over his last eight games, including a 29-point outburst in a narrow loss to Nicholls State earlier this month. He scored 14 against Stephen F. Austin in the December matchup. For Northwestern State to pull an upset, they must solve a formidable Stephen F. Austin defense that has held opponents to 46, 56, and 62 points in three of its last five wins. The Lumberjacks also boast a significant rebounding advantage and thrive in transition. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. CST. Stephen F. Austin will look to solidify its position atop the conference standings, while Northwestern State aims to salvage a split of the season series and build momentum before hosting New Orleans next weekend.