The McNeese Cowgirls strengthened their position at the top of the Southland Conference with a 77-41 victory over the New Orleans Privateers women’s basketball team on Saturday at Townsley Law Arena in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
McNeese began the game with strong defensive play, limiting New Orleans to only one field goal in the first quarter. The Cowgirls scored the first 10 points before Mariah Hart put New Orleans on the board with a free throw.
By halftime, McNeese led 39-18 after forcing 15 turnovers and grabbing 11 offensive rebounds, which resulted in 14 second-chance points. Despite holding McNeese to just 37.5 percent shooting from the field—one of their lowest percentages in conference play—the Privateers struggled offensively, making only 30.2 percent of their shots and committing a total of 29 turnovers.
McNeese capitalized on these mistakes, scoring 27 points off turnovers and outscoring New Orleans by a margin of 20-1 in second-chance points. Four Cowgirls finished with double-digit scoring: Jalencia Pierre led with 13 points, Dakota Howard contributed 11 points and eight rebounds, while Tyreona Sibley and Lexi Alexander each added 10 points.
For New Orleans, Brialle Washington was the leading scorer with 10 points. Jayla Kimbrough recorded eight points and a team-high nine rebounds. Lauren Banks had seven points, and Mariah Hart finished with five.
The Privateers’ next game is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 29 against East Texas A&M at 6:30 p.m.
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