LAKE CHARLES – The McNeese Cowboys basketball schedule got a boost on Tuesday when it was announced the Cowboys and North Texas have agreed to a home-and-home contest beginning this season with a November 18 game in the Legacy Center.
 
This addition will mark two quality Division I non-conference opponents to play in McNeese's Legecy Center.
 
"We are excited to play another high-quality opponent at home," said second-year head coach Will Wade. "North Texas is coming off a great season and will be a big challenge for our team. I'm excited our fans will get to see American and WCC teams this year in the Legacy Center."
 
A member of the American Athletic Conference, the former Southland foe posted a 19-15 record last season and 10-8 in league play. The Mean Green qualified for the NIT, beating LSU in the first round before falling to Seton Hall in the second.
 
This will be the first matchup between the two teams since the 2017-18 season. McNeese will make a return trip to North Texas next year.
 
The addition, which will eliminate the December 18 game against Champion Christian, gives McNeese two home non-conference games against a quality opponent – the other occurring on Dec. 3 against Santa Clara.
 
"I'm really excited to add North Texas to our schedule," said McNeese Vice President and Director of Athletics Heath Schroyer. "To have a home schedule that has two perennial Quad 2 opponents will be amazing for our fan base and allow us to put our best foot forward in regards to overall NET rankings."
 
McNeese and North Texas have a history as former Southland Conference opponents. The Mean Green lead the overall series 20-17. During their SLC heydays, the two battled it out in the SLC Tournament six exciting times including the 1989 championship game that saw the Cowboys win and advance to their first-ever NCAA Tournament.
 
North Texas won the last meeting by an 85-47 score in Denton back on Dec. 19, 2017.