LAKE CHARLES – The McNeese men's basketball team will be featured twice on CBS Sports Network as part of the new five-game national televised linear package between the Southland Conference and CBS Sports.
 
The CBS Sports Network slate tips off Friday, Jan. 2, with a rematch of the 2024 Southland Men's Basketball Championship Game when the two-time defending champion Cowboys hosts archrival Lamar at 6 p.m. inside Townsley Law Arena in Lake Charles. 
 
McNeese will play at Nicholls on March 2 at 6:30 p.m. on CBSSN for its second linear game on the network.
 
"The fact that McNeese will play on CBS Sports twice this year shows how far our athletic program has come in a relatively short amount of time," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Heath Schroyer. "Showing up on national linear television is a huge opportunity; it not only showcases our athletic program but also enhances our university's brand. We're all one team at McNeese. I'm thrilled and excited that CBS Sports is putting us on, and I can't wait to watch."
 
"We're grateful for the opportunity to compete in two nationally televised games (on CBSSN)," said first-year head coach Bill Armstrong. "It's a great chance for people outside our area to see our players and the talent we have here. It also provides an opportunity for those who may not be familiar with Townsley Law Arena to experience our beautiful facility and the incredible support of Poke Nation."
 
The other three games scheduled for the network include Northwestern State at Stephen F. Austin (Jan. 26), UIW at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (Feb. 2), and Nicholls at Lamar (Feb. 23).
 
Additional linear selections, including ESPN's schedule, will be announced later this week. 
 
The Southland Conference is proud to expand its national visibility with multiple rivalry games and championship rematches on CBS Sports Network.  
 
CBS Sports Network Southland Schedule (2026) 
Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 – Lamar at McNeese, 6 p.m. CT (CBSSN) 
Monday, Jan. 26, 2026 – Northwestern State at Stephen F. Austin, 8 p.m. CT (CBSSN) 
Monday, Feb. 2, 2026 – UIW at Texas A&M–Corpus Christi, 8 p.m. CT (CBSSN) 
Monday, Feb. 23, 2026 – Nicholls at Lamar, 6 p.m. CT (CBSSN) 
Monday, March 2, 2026 – McNeese at Nicholls, 6:30 p.m. CT (CBSSN)