However, the Demons may have made their run just a little too early. After erasing a 13-point, first-half deficit and turning it into a five-point, second-half lead, Northwestern State could not hold off the fast-closing, top-seeded Colonels, falling 88-76 at the Merrell Center. âIâm really proud of our guys and how they came out and played against our league champion,â said 22nd-year head coach Mike McConathy, who coached his 29th conference tournament game. âWe battled -- got down early and came back to take a five-point lead. (Nicholls) responded with a 3-pointer from Ty Gordon. I would say our effort was excellent. I would say we did a nice job in every area of the game. We just didnât make our shots down the stretch.â