Southland Conference Championship: No. 1 Northwestern State claimed the Southland Conference championship with a 95-87 victory against No. 2 Sam Houston State. The Demons won the championship despite nearly blowing a double-digit lead with less than five minutes remaining. Northwestern State’s Clifton Lee hit three free throws in the final minute to fend off the Bearkats. Northwestern State earned its second trip to the NCAA Tournament in 30 years. [3/12/06]