LAKE CHARLES – The McNeese Cowboys showed resilience, defeating Stephen F. Austin 66-64. This victory marked SFA’s first loss in the Southland Conference this season and extended McNeese’s impressive home winning streak to 20 games.
Larry Johnson led the Cowboys with 18 points and a career-best eight rebounds. Tyshawn Archie added 16 points, hitting four three-pointers. Lateef Patrick Jr. was the top scorer for SFA with 15 points.
The Cowboys are known for their aggressive defense, currently ranking fourth in the NCAA with an average of 10.8 steals per game. A crucial moment came late in the game when Garwey Dual snagged a critical steal, setting up Jerrell Colbert’s jumper, giving McNeese a late-game lead.
McNeese had been trailing 56-50 before rallying back. Johnson and DJ Richards Jr. hit back-to-back threes to tie the game at 56. A few minutes later, Johnson’s scoring again leveled the score at 60.
SFA’s leading scorer, who had a rough night, missed a key layup that could have tied the game. After securing the rebound, Dual helped create crucial free-throw opportunities for DJ Richards Jr., which he successfully converted to put McNeese ahead 66-62.
SFA had initially taken the lead early in the game, leading 38-34 at halftime with strong three-point shooting. However, McNeese’s quick adjustments allowed them to take control in the second half. They ended with a shooting percentage of 39.7% from the field and 27.6% from three-point range.
The historical context adds depth to this game. In the past, McNeese has maintained consistent success at home, with this being their 40th win in the last 41 games played at Townsley Law Arena. They are currently 23-0 in regular-season Southland Conference games since the start of the 2023-24 season.
User reactions on social media have celebrated McNeese’s strong performance, with fans praising the defense and thrilling comeback. “Clutch plays at the right moments!” was a common theme in online discussions.
Looking ahead, McNeese will host Southeastern next, aiming to continue their remarkable streak. Their defense and adaptability will be critical as they push forward in the season.
For more detailed statistics and future updates, you can check out NCAA’s official site.
