In what promises to be a thrilling encounter, the top two teams in the Southland Conference will face off on Monday night as McNeese travels to Stephen F. Austin. The matchup takes place at Johnson Coliseum at 6:30 PM and will be available for viewing on ESPN+. McNeese (18-4, 11-2 SLC) is closing in on a crucial victory, chasing SFA (19-3, 12-1 SLC) in the league standings, trailing by just one game as they head into the final stretch of the season, with the postseason tournament set to begin on March 8.
The Cowboys are riding a wave of momentum, coming off their fourth consecutive win—a nail-biting 64-63 victory against Lamar on Saturday. Earlier this season, McNeese narrowly defeated SFA 66-64 in Lake Charles, marking the Lumberjacks’ only conference loss to date. Remarkably, when these teams last met in Nacogdoches during the previous season, McNeese dominated with a 95-64 victory.
Both teams are currently demonstrating impressive form, with McNeese having secured four straight wins while SFA boasts a seven-game winning streak. The Lumberjacks extended their streak with an 85-58 triumph over Southeastern on Saturday, maintaining an unblemished 11-0 record at home this season.
Statistically, both teams lead the Southland Conference in numerous categories, with McNeese topping the charts in 11 metrics and SFA leading in 10. McNeese stands out nationally in crucial areas, ranking first in NCAA for steal percentage and turnover percentage. Furthermore, the Cowboys are third in block percentage and boast strong turnover margins, helping to define their style of play this season.
Of note, McNeese senior guard will be making his 100th career start during this game, having been a consistent presence since transferring from UMass, contributing significantly to the team’s depth and experience. In addition, several players are contributing to the offensive effort, with multiple athletes regularly scoring in the double digits.
As they prepare for this important clash, both teams will aim not only for bragging rights but also a significant advantage leading into the postseason, making this showdown a potentially defining moment in the conference race. The matchup under the lights will not only set the tone for the playoffs but could have broader implications for the seeding and ultimate success of either team in March.
With both squads demonstrating high levels of skill and determination, this game serves as a reminder of the excitement and unpredictability inherent in collegiate basketball, showcasing the potential for thrilling finishes and standout performances as the season progresses.