LAKE CHARLES – For just the second time since being a Division I program, and first time since the 1972-73 season, which was the first year in the D1 ranks, the McNeese Cowboys are 4-0 to start the season after an 81-49 win over LeTourneau on Tuesday night in front of 1,924 fans.
 
Four Cowboys scored in double figures, led by DJ Richards who scored 15 points behind 6 of 8 shooting (2 for 3 from 3-point range). Omar Cooper came off the bench to score 14 points while dishing out five assists and collecting six steals.
 
Shahada Wells added 11 points and Christian Shumate finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds to record his third double-double on the year and 24^th in his career, one closer to the school record of 31.
 
McNeese led 44-27 but led just 21-19 against a scrappy YellowJackets team with 8:47 to play in the half. But the Cowboys locked down on defense to help ignite a 16-0 run and built a 37-19 advantage with 4:05 to play.
 
Five straight points to start the second half off a jumper by Shumate then a 3 from Richards grew the margin to 49-27.
 
Leading 62-39 at the 7:07 mark, Cooper recorded four steals on four straight possessions, leading to seven points including four of his own on fast break chances.
 
The Cowboys shot 49 percent for the game (32-66) and were 6 of 20 (30 percent) from three-point range. LETU made just 29 percent (17 for 59) from the field and was only 10 of 41 from long range for 24 percent.
 
McNeese held a 47-35 advantage on the boards, dished out 16 assists and ended with 17 steals while turning the ball over just nine times.
 
Walker Blaine led the YellowJackets with 14 points.
 
Tuesday's game was the five meeting against LeTourneau and the first since the 1967-68 season. McNeese has won all five contests.
 
The Cowboys will be back in action on Saturday when they visit Western Carolina (3-0) at 3 p.m. The game will broadcast on ESPN+.