THIBODAUX, La. (AP) — Brison White scored 15 points off the bench as Northwestern State overcame a 13-point, second-half deficit and defeated Nicholls State 84-79 Saturday.

The win gives Northwestern State (18-6, 12-2 Southland Conference) its first eight-game winning streak since 2005-06. With Stephen F. Austin's loss to Southeastern Louisiana, the Demons jumped into a tie for first place.

Northwestern State trailed 36-27 at halftime and 49-36 with 14:58 to play. The Demons went on a 17-4 run and trailed 53-52 with 8:03 remaining, then took the lead on Gary Stewart's layup for a 64-63 edge at 5:14.

Nicholls State (6-17, 5-8) tied the game three times in the remaining minutes, including twice via 3-pointers from Linden Smith-Hyde.

Northwestern State's Jalan West snapped the final tie with a layup with 1:19 left for a decisive 78-76 advantage.

Fred Hunter scored 24 and Dantrell Thomas added 22 for Nicholls State, which has lost five straight.