It took a late charge, but Northwestern State made its fourth Southland Conference title game in a row, with the team definitely reaching its potential by season's end. But, for the second season in a row, the Demons were denied. That ended the phenomenal two-year career of F Trey Gilder, along with three other seniors.

But of all the tournament finalists in recent seasons, this was the most unexpected, the most inconsistent.

NSU made it as a five seed. The Demons were turnover-prone. At times, they were a brilliant outside-shooting team.

Sometimes they couldn't hit anything from outside.

Appearance No. 5 in a row could happen. There are some solid players in place. But losing Gilder and wing Colby Bargeman will hurt. The Demons also must rebuild their power game after losing Jerry Moody and Gerrell Thomas. But, as this season's edition proved, it's all about getting things together at the end.

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