LAKE CHARLES – McNeese Cowboy basketball has debuted at No. 23 in this week's Field of 68 Mid-Major Top 25 poll, the organization announced on Monday. In addition, the Cowboys are the second highest team receiving votes in the College Insider mid-major poll, ranking just outside its top 25.
 
McNeese is 3-0 for the first time since the 1985-86 season and opened the year up with an 11-point win at VCU, marking the first time since that 85-86 slate to beat a Division I team in the opener. The Cowboys will go for their first 4-0 start in 51 years (1972-73) when they host LeTourneau on Tuesday night.
 
It's the first time since the Southland Conference championship run in 2010-11 the Cowboys have appeared in the mid-major rankings.
 
Western Carolina, who McNeese will visit on Saturday, is ranked 15^th in the Field of 68 poll while also receiving votes in the College Insider poll. McNeese received 64 points in that poll, ranking 27^th while WCU collected 44 points to rank 33^rd. Other McNeese opponents receiving votes includes Southern Miss and Nicholls.
 
In addition, Major Madness has the Cowboys ranked No. 12 in its latest small conference Top 25 poll. Western Carolina is ranked ninth and Dec. 2 opponent UT Martin is 25^th.
 
Following Tuesday night's home contest against LeTourneau, the Cowboys will hit the road for four straight games beginning Saturday at Western Carolina. McNeese will then play at the Louisiana Tech Multi-Team Event (MTE) on Nov. 21 vs. Texas State and Nov. 22 vs. Louisiana Tech, then will wrap up its road trek on Nov. 28 at Alabama-Birmingham.