Late layup lifts Houston Christian past Northwestern State 82-80 in tight Southland Conference game

A one-possession finish at Sharp Gymnasium

Houston Christian held off Northwestern State 82-80 on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Sharp Gymnasium in Houston, closing the game with a go-ahead layup in the final seconds. The result moved Houston Christian to 7-12 overall and 3-7 in Southland Conference play, while Northwestern State fell to 6-13 overall and 4-6 in league action.

Northwestern State carried a narrow 44-41 lead into halftime, but the second half remained tightly contested as both teams traded momentum and kept the margin within a handful of possessions for extended stretches.

Key performances: Williams’ efficiency, Green’s late decision-making

Demari Williams led Houston Christian with 16 points, shooting 5-for-8 from the field. He made three of four attempts from three-point range and converted all three of his free throws, giving the Huskies a steady scoring base in a game decided by two points.

Kylin Green finished with 14 points and a game-sealing two-point play in the final moments: a layup that put Houston Christian ahead with nine seconds remaining. Green also recorded 10 assists, producing a double-double and functioning as the primary facilitator in late-game possessions.

Trent Johnson added 12 points for Houston Christian on perimeter efficiency, hitting four of five three-point attempts. In a close contest, that spacing helped the Huskies keep pace during Northwestern State’s first-half edge and then stay within striking distance when the game tightened in the final minutes.

Northwestern State’s scoring balance keeps pressure on until the end

Northwestern State received 17 points from Micah Thomas, who also contributed four assists and two steals. Willie Williams scored 15 points and Justin Redmond added 13, giving the Demons multiple scoring options throughout the night and keeping the game within one possession late.

The Demons’ 44-point first half set the tone for an up-tempo, offense-forward game. Houston Christian matched that output after the break with 41 second-half points, ultimately producing the two-point margin.

What the result means in the Southland standings

Both programs entered the night looking for traction in conference play. The win provided Houston Christian a needed league result after a stretch of close games, while Northwestern State left Houston with another narrow finish on its schedule.

• Final score: Houston Christian 82, Northwestern State 80
• Halftime: Northwestern State 44, Houston Christian 41
• Houston Christian leaders: Demari Williams (16 points), Kylin Green (14 points, 10 assists), Trent Johnson (12 points, 4-for-5 from three)
• Northwestern State leaders: Micah Thomas (17 points), Willie Williams (15), Justin Redmond (13)

With the game in the balance during the final possession, Houston Christian’s offense generated a layup that decided the outcome with nine seconds left.