DENTON, Texas - McNeese will look to make it two straight wins to start the new basketball season on Thursday when the Cowboys visit North Texas at 4 p.m. at The Super Pit. The game will broadcast live on ESPN+.
 
McNeese (1-0) is coming off an impressive season-opening, 99-78 win over UAB in Monday's Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon.
 
Sophomore sensation Larry Johnson picked up where he left off from his stellar freshman season by sinking a career-high 31 points, 20 of those in the first half, while newcomer Jaylon Dean-Vines added a career-best 17 points. Choppa Moore closed out the double-figure scoring with 15 points behind five three-pointers made.
 
The Cowboys hit on 55% of their shots including 12 of 27 from long range (10 for 16 in the second half). McNeese held a 33-26 advantage in rebounds and dished out 20 assists on 38 shots made. The Cowboys also forced UAB into 14 turnovers and turning those into 18 points.
 
North Texas, a member of the American Athletic Conference and former Southland foe, beat Southwestern Christian, 122-50, in its opener on Monday. The Eagles lost both of their exhibition games, 67-64 to Colorado and 62-60 to Northwestern State.
 
This will be the 39th meeting in the series and second in the last three years. North Texas holds a 20-18 lead all-time. McNeese won the last contest, 68-61, back in November of 2024.
 
Following this game, the Cowboys will open up their home schedule Monday night at 6:30 when they host College of Biblical Studies.
 
Projected Starting Lineup
G Dellquan Warren (8.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 9.0 apg)
G Larry Johnson (31.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 4.0 apg)
G Choppa Moore (15.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.0 apg)
F Jerrell Colbert (8.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 4.0 bpg)
F Alier Maluk (8.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.0 bpg)