Preview: Lamar Lady Cardinals at Northwestern State Demons CYPRESS, La. (Interstat) — Two teams riding contrasting waves of momentum will meet Sunday when the Lamar Lady Cardinals visit the Northwestern State Demons in a nonconference women’s basketball matchup at Prather Coliseum. Both teams enter with 5-5 records, but their paths have diverged sharply in recent weeks. Lamar (5-4) has won three straight games, including a 72-59 victory over Prairie View on Wednesday. Northwestern State (5-5) is looking to rebound from a 96-38 road loss to Texas that same night. The Lady Cardinals’ surge has been fueled by improved offensive flow, averaging 72 points during their winning streak. Guard R’Mani Taylor is a key catalyst, coming off a season-high 16 points and six assists against Prairie View. Over the last three games, she has dished out 16 assists. Northwestern State, which had a two-game win streak snapped by the Longhorns, will rely on guard Nya Valentine. She scored 19 points in a road win at McNeese State on Dec. 15 and leads the team in assists. Her backcourt battle with Taylor will be critical. Lamar has shown resilience after a 1-3 start, with all losses coming on the road. Their current streak includes comfortable home wins over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Texas-Rio Grande Valley. Forward Molly Powell (12 points vs. Prairie View) provides an interior presence. The Demons have been a tale of two teams, dominant at home with wins by an average of 53 points but struggling against high-major competition on the road. They will need to leverage the home court at Prather Coliseum, where they are 3-0 this season. This game serves as a final nonconference tune-up before both teams open Southland Conference play on New Year’s Eve. For Lamar, it’s a chance to extend their streak and secure a winning nonconference record. For Northwestern State, it’s an opportunity to reset and build confidence before the league slate begins. Tip-off is set for Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025.