ST. MARTIN, U.S. Virgin Islands – McNeese returns to action at the 2024 Paradise Jam on Sunday afternoon when it goes up against Longwood in the first of two semifinal games.
 
Tip-off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. CT. The game will broadcast live on ESPN+. The winner will play the winner of the Liberty/Kansas State game at 7 p.m. on Monday.
 
McNeese (3-2) defeated Illinois State 76-68 in Friday's first round action while Longwood (6-0) beat UAB, 89-81.
 
This will be the first-ever meeting between the Cowboys and Lancers who are a member of the Big South Conference.
 
McNeese has three players averaging double-digits in scoring – Alyn Breed (17.5), Sincere Parker (15.0) and Javohn Garcia (12.8). Breed will miss the next few games due to an injury.
 
Garcia led the Cowboys with 16 points in Friday's win over the Redbirds to go along with a career-tying seven rebounds. Brandon Murray and Parker added 13 points each while D.J. Richards Jr. scored 10.
 
Longwood had four players score in double-figures against UAB, led by a 15-point outing from graduate forward Michael Christmas. Senior guard Kyrell Luc scored 14 while sophomore guard Colby Garland and junior guard KJ McClurg added 12 points each.
 
The Lancers connected on 31 of 60 from the field against the Blazers, including 23 of 26 at the free throw line.
 
Longwood was picked for a third-place finish in the Big South preseason poll behind High Point and Winthrop while Christmas was voted onto the preseason all-conference second team.