The McNeese Cowboys secured an 82-63 victory over the New Orleans Privateers on Saturday at Townsley Law Arena in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The win was marked by McNeese’s ability to capitalize on turnovers and offensive rebounds, with the team scoring 31 points off turnovers and collecting 19 offensive boards.
The Privateers trailed for most of the game but managed to keep the score close until midway through the second half. After a fast break dunk by MJ Thomas cut the deficit to 57-51 with just over 13 minutes left, McNeese responded by scoring 16 of the next 22 points during a nine-minute stretch, extending their lead and ultimately securing their ninth win in Southland Conference play.
Turnovers proved costly for New Orleans, as their 12 first-half giveaways led directly to 21 points for McNeese. A late run in the first half saw McNeese extend its lead to 41-28, but New Orleans narrowed the gap before halftime. Coleton Benson made two free throws following a technical foul on Cowboys coach Bill Armstrong, and TJ Cope added four points in that span, leaving the Privateers trailing 42-34 at intermission.
The game began with several lead changes. Benson contributed early with two three-pointers, giving New Orleans an initial advantage before McNeese took control at the 14:05 mark of the first half and maintained it thereafter.
McNeese finished with 18 assists on their 26 field goals. Larry Johnson led all scorers with 26 points, while Garwey Dual added 14 points and five rebounds. Tyshawn Archie chipped in with ten points.
For New Orleans, Benson scored a team-high 23 points on seven-of-eleven shooting from the field. Cope finished with twelve points, Thomas recorded eleven points along with eight rebounds, and Jakevion Buckley had five assists and three steals.
Looking ahead, New Orleans will face Nicholls on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m., after a schedule change due to inclement weather concerns announced by Nicholls.
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