Jones scores 16 points as Northwestern State thumps East Texas Baptist 74-54

Northwestern State routs East Texas Baptist 77-54

NATCHITOCHES, La. — Senior guard Damon Jones scored 16 points and junior guard Devon Baker added 15 off the bench Friday night as Northwestern State cruised past East Texas Baptist 77-54.

It was the season opener for the Demons, who got scoring from 12 players, none of whom played more than 20 minutes.

Josh Chambers led the Tigers with 15 points and a game-high 12 rebounds, while Jacob Turnipseed added 12 points.

Northwestern led 43-28 at halftime. East Texas Baptist, Division III team, closed within 11 twice in the first nine minutes of the second half, but the Demons mounted a 16-2 run over the next four minutes to take command.

“We still have a lot of work to do,” Northwestern State coach Mike McConathy said. “We shot free throws horrendously (12-of-28).”

The Demons shot 42 percent from the field and 33 percent on 3-pointers (7-21), and outrebounded East Texas Baptist 54-46.