Preview: Texas A&M-Commerce at Northwestern State NATCHITOCHES, La. (Interstat) — A pivotal Southland Conference women’s basketball matchup between two teams jockeying for position will take place Monday when the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions visit the Northwestern State Demons at Prather Coliseum. Both teams enter with identical 5-5 records in league play and overall marks hovering around .500. The Lions (12-11, 5-5) look to bounce back from a 71-64 home loss to McNeese State on Saturday. The Demons (12-12, 5-5) aim to build momentum after a 62-47 victory over Southeastern Louisiana that same day. The contest is a quick rematch from Feb. 7, when Commerce secured a 61-52 home win over Northwestern State. In that game, the Lions held the Demons to 32.8% shooting from the field. A key matchup will feature two of the conference’s top performers. Texas A&M-Commerce is led by Tiani Ellison, who is coming off a 24-point, 9-rebound effort in the loss to McNeese. Over her last five games, Ellison is averaging 18.2 points. Northwestern State counters with Vernell Atamah, who dominated in the win over Southeastern Louisiana with 23 points and 17 rebounds. Atamah was held to just 7 points in the first meeting with Commerce this month. For the Lions, supporting contributions will be needed from Reza Po, who dished 6 assists against McNeese, and Cora Horvath. The Demons will rely on Carla Celaya, who grabbed 11 rebounds last game, and Tiara Abron. Both teams have followed similar patterns in recent weeks, trading wins and losses. The outcome will provide crucial separation in the tightly packed Southland standings ahead of the final stretch of the regular season. The game is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. CST tipoff on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. Up Next: Texas A&M-Commerce: Hosts Houston Christian on Thursday. Northwestern State: Hosts Incarnate Word on Thursday.