McNeese Men & Women Heads to Beaumont for Key Conference Game at Lamar
Beaumont, Texas (KNGT-FM) - Anytime two old rivals meet, it's bound to be a feisty one. Both McNeese Men/Women set for crucial matchups with Lamar.
The McNeese Cowgirls began their Texas two-step with a win on Thursday night as they outlasted Stephen F Austin 70-64 in overtime. With the win, McNeese extended their conference-leading 10-game winning streak to move to 17-4, 11-1 in SLC Play.
In the win over Stephen F Austin, Freshman Dakota Howard continued to shine as she finished with her second career double-double, notching 20 points and 18 rebounds. Lexi Alexander also had a double-double as McNeese outrebounded SFA by 19.
Next Up: Lamar Cardinals.
Lamar comes in a game behind McNeese in the conference standings as they sit at 13-6 overall and 10-2 in SLC Play. The Cowgirls got the win in the first matchup in Lake Charles, 65-57, earlier in January.
McNeese will take on Lamar at 3:00 inside the Montagne Center in Beaumont. Fans can catch the game on ESPN+.
Updated Southland Conference Women's Standings
McNeese (17-4, 11-1)
Lamar (13-6, 10-2)
UTRGV (12-9, 9-3)
UIW (10-9, 8-4)
Stephen F. Austin (14-7, 8-4)
Northwestern State (10-9, 7-4)
Nicholls (10-9, 6-6)
East Texas A&M (8-10, 4-7)
HCU (5-14, 3-9)
Texas A&M–Corpus Christi (4-15, 3-9)
New Orleans (1-19, 1-11)
Southeastern (2-17, 1-11)
MEN: McNeese/Lamar January 31st Preview
The road stretch continues for the Bayou Bandits as McNeese heads on a Texas road trip for a pivotal conference weekend.
McNeese had to slug out a win over Southeastern on Tuesday Night to open up a crucial three-game road stretch. The Battle of the Border will start a huge weekend for McNeese when they travel to Beaumont to take on Lamar. The last two trips to Beaumont have featured one-possession contests.
Even with the massive stretch of games, coach Bill Armstrong says they're running business as usual and focused on taking it one game at a time.
“We’re just trying to have a good film session, a good practice, and prepare the right way,” Armstrong said.
Freshman Larry Johnson continues to shine for McNeese. He scored 20 points against Southeastern and now ranks 11th in the nation among freshmen scorers. Johnson has scored 20 or more points seven times this season, and his 17.1 points per game average is the third-highest by a freshman in McNeese history.
The last time out, McNeese dominated the Cardinals on National Television behind a career night from Tyshawn Archie. Lamar pulled down 19 offensive rebounds in the matchup, something Bill Armstrong has not taken lightly.
“We know it’s going to be a challenge. They’re big, physical, and we’ve got to be ready for it.”
Lamar has struggled a bit this season and comes in 11-10 overall and 6-6 in Southland Conference play. The Cardinals are coming off a win over East Texas A&M on Tuesday, 82-61, after dropping a tough contest to Stephen F Austin on Saturday.
Rob Lee Jr., Andrew Holifield, and Braden East headline Lamar’s offense, each averaging double figures. Lee is fresh off a standout night against ETAM, finishing with 28 points and seven rebounds.
McNeese will take on Lamar Saturday evening inside the Montagne Center in Beaumont. Tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Updated Southland Conference Men's Standings
SFA (18–3, 11–1)
McNeese (17–4, 10–2)
A&M–Corpus Christi (11–10, 7–5)
Nicholls (8–13, 7–5)
Lamar (11–10, 6–6)
UTRGV (10–11, 6–6)
New Orleans (8–13, 6–6)
Northwestern State (6–14, 4–7)
UIW (9–12, 4–8)
HCU (8–13, 4–8)
East Texas A&M (8–13, 3–8)
Southeastern (6–15, 3–9)