LAKE CHARLES – McNeese basketball returns to the hardwood on Sunday when the Cowboys host Southern-New Orleans looking to grab their first win of the season.
Tip-off is set for 2:30 at Burton Coliseum. The game will air on Cajun Radio (1470/1290 AM and CajunRadio.com) while a video stream will be available for a small fee on McNeeseSports.com.
The Cowboys (0-2) are coming off a disappointing 85-75 loss to Louisiana College this past Thursday but head coach
Dave Simmons said the Cowboys are looking forward to getting back on the court and playing the way he knows his team can play.
"We're going to have to come out with a lot more energy than we did against Louisiana College," said Simmons. "We can't wait until 10 minutes left to play in the game when we decided to wake up."
The Cowboys trailed by 21 points with 9:45 to play then mounted a fierce rally over the next six minutes to pull to within 2 points after a 21-2 run. A lot of that had to do with the Cowboys going with a smaller lineup that in turn, allowed the Cowboys to press on defense and force turnovers.
"When we pressed, that was a key for us to make our comeback," said Simmons whose team forced 27 turnovers in the game. "Anytime you get a team to turn the ball over 20 plus times, that enhances your chances of winning. We just ended up coming up short.
"We're going to come out with a lot of energy. We've been shooting the ball a lot in practice so hopefully we'll shoot the ball better in the game."
McNeese made just 38 percent from the field against LC (27 of 70) and hit only 5 of 20 from 3-point range.
The Cowboys have three players averaging double-figures in scoring through two games, led by
Jamaya Burr at 17 points followed by
James Harvey (14.5) and
Kalob Ledoux (13.5).
McNeese's defense is forcing an average of 20.5 turnovers per game while turning the ball over just 9 times itself.
SUNO (1-4) is coming off a 110-71 loss to William Carey on Thursday in its last outing. The Knights dropped an 81-53 decision to Southeastern Louisiana in an exhibition game to start the season in their only other game against a NCAA Division I opponent.
The Knights are led in scoring by guard Marcel Daniels at 14 points per game.
Following Sunday's game, the Cowboys will hit the road for a Tuesday night contest at Memphis.
