Preview: McNeese State Cowgirls at Northwestern State Demons CYPRESS, La. (Interstat) — A surging McNeese State squad looks to continue its dominant run through the Southland Conference when it visits Northwestern State on Thursday night at Prather Coliseum. The Cowgirls (20-4) enter on an 11-game winning streak, having last lost on Dec. 15 — a 65-58 home defeat to these same Demons. That result provides Northwestern State (11-11) with a blueprint for an upset, but McNeese State has been relentless since, winning its conference games by an average margin of 24.2 points. McNeese State is coming off a 75-54 rout of Incarnate Word where Lexi Alexander scored 14 points with seven rebounds. The versatile forward has been a consistent contributor during the streak, scoring in double figures in five of the last nine games while providing defensive presence. Northwestern State has struggled for consistency, alternating wins and losses in its last six outings. The Demons fell 61-52 at Texas A&M-Commerce last Saturday despite a 19-point effort from guard Nya Valentine. Valentine is the engine for the Demons, coming off a 22-point, 11-assist performance in a win over New Orleans on Jan. 31 and averaging 16.4 points over her last five games. The matchup in the backcourt between Valentine and McNeese State’s Jalencia Pierre, who dished out seven assists against Incarnate Word, will be critical. McNeese State’s defense, which has held opponents under 55 points in nine of the 11 wins during the streak, will aim to contain Valentine’s playmaking. For Northwestern State, replicating its December defensive effort is essential. The Demons held McNeese State to its second-lowest scoring total of the season in the first meeting. Tiara Abron, who had 12 points and two assists in the last game, will be another key piece for the home team. The game tips off at 6:30 p.m. CST as part of a busy Southland Conference slate. McNeese State visits Texas A&M-Commerce on Saturday, while Northwestern State hosts Southeastern Louisiana.