LAKE CHARLES – The McNeese men's basketball team is looking to stay undefeated on the home front this Saturday, when they host the Northwestern State Demons at 3:30 p.m. in Burton Coliseum.
The Cowboys will be looking to continue their win streak at home, after most recently defeating UIW 85-62 in the first SLC game of the season.
McNeese was led by Quatarrius Wilson, who scored a career high 20 points as a part of his fourth double-double of the season, and his third in a row.
Wilson, along with Stephen Ugochukwu, had ten boards in the win. The two combined for 20 of the Cowboys 47 rebounds, tied for the third best performance on the glass for McNeese this season, and the seventh time it has outrebounded its opponent.
After Thursday's win, McNeese is now first in the Southland Conference for its exceptional rebounding offense with 42 rebounds per game, with Wilson leading the SLC with 9.1 rpg.
Northwestern opens SLC play with three straight away games; the Demons arrive in Lake Charles for their second road match after a deafening 87-46 loss at Nicholls.
Demon Lane Ishmael earned a double-double with 11 points- 10 rebounds, despite the fact that Nicholls held Northwestern to less than 28% in the field and beyond the arc.
Ishmael currently leads the Demons with 140 points, while teammate Jalan West is averaging 12.3 ppg in eight games played. The junior out of Port Allen is also the team's leading rebounder, averaging 6.5 rpg.
The series between McNeese and Northwestern dates back to 1951, tallying up 125 games over the years. The Cowboys will be looking to tie the series this weekend, as the Demons currently hold it in their hands, 63-62.
McNeese opened conference play in 2016-17 with a 79-72 win in Natchitoches. The overtime thriller went to the Cowboys after outscoring the Demons 13-6 in OT. Three current Cowboys played their part in the win with double-digit scores, Stephen Ugochukwu (19), Jarren Greenwood (13), James Harvey (10).
The Demons took the sweep from the Cowboys when they traveled to Lake Charles less than a month later and claimed victory 78-65 over McNeese.
Saturday's game is a double header, starting with the Cowgirls and Lady Demons facing off at 1:00 p.m. at Burton Coliseum- prior to the start of the men's game at 3:30 p.m.
Fans can find links to live video, audio, and stats to every home game for the Cowboys at McNeeseSports.com. Fans are encouraged to follow the Cowboys on Twitter at @McNeeseMBB.
At every home game- fans will have the chance to win a $200 Boreing Vision gift card and their part of $480 in cash prizes, courtesy of Universal Coin. Those who would like to participate in the halftime challenges for should visit the marketing table at court-side to sign up for a chance to play!
