A no-name system just might make a name for Northwestern State this week.

The Demons epitomized their "one team, one goal" philosophy in a 72-61 victory over Oregon State last night in a first-round game of the 42nd annual Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Nine different Northwestern State players got at least 19 minutes of action, and all nine scored. Senior forward Kerwin Forges led the way with 14 points on 5 of 5 shooting.

"We don't have five guys who can line up and beat any team out there," Northwestern State head coach Mike McConathy said. "But we have 11 or 12 that can."

The Demons improved to 7-2, with four wins away from home. They will play in a semifinal game today at 5 p.m.

In McConathy's seven seasons at Northwestern State, he has never allowed the names of his players to appear on the back of the team's jerseys. The Demons' practice jerseys are printed with "one team, one goal" on the back.

"It might be a small school mentality, but we truly believe that our most valuable player is the team," McConathy said. "I know some people don't understand it, and we've lost some players because of it, but it's our system and it works for us."

Yesterday was proof enough. Forges' season-high total in points came in a reserve role, and he scored seven in each half.

"That's our thing," Forges said. "On any given night, any one guy can step up and lead this team."

Forges is listed at 6 feet 4 and 245 pounds, but McConathy said he is closer to 6-3 and 260.

"But even at that size, he's athletic enough to get to the basket," McConathy said. "He had the feel tonight so we went with him. That's the way our system works."

The Demons took a 20-19 lead with 6:14 remaining in the first half and stayed in front the rest of the way. They closed the first half with an 11-5 run to take a 33-26 lead at intermission.

Oregon State got as close as 54-51 with 9:15 remaining in the second half, but the Demons responded with a 12-4 run to take control for good at 66-55.

Luke Rogers and Jermaine Wallace added 11 points each for Northwestern State, which is from Louisiana.

Chris Stephens led Oregon State (4-4) with 17 points, and Nick DeWitz added 13.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.