McNeese State asserted their dominance over New Orleans, cruising to a 19-point victory at the Townsley Law Arena. The Cowboys' 82-63 win was fueled by a phenomenal performance from Larry Johnson, who tallied 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Johnson's impressive outing set the tone for the home team, as they built a substantial lead in the first half and never looked back.
At halftime, McNeese State held a comfortable 42-34 advantage, thanks in large part to Johnson's 14 first-half points. The Cowboys' supporting cast also made significant contributions, with Garwey Dual and Tyshawn Archie chipping in 14 and 10 points, respectively. New Orleans' Coleton Benson tried to keep his team afloat, scoring 23 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Cowboys' balanced attack.
The second half saw McNeese State maintain their intensity, outscoring the Privateers 40-29 to seal the convincing win. The Cowboys' ability to control the tempo and limit New Orleans' scoring opportunities was a key factor in their success. CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had McNeese winning by 13.2 points, and while the actual margin was larger, the predicted winner was spot on.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The victory improves McNeese State's record to 16-4, solidifying their position as a strong contender in their conference. For New Orleans, the loss drops them to 7-13, making their path to a tournament berth increasingly difficult. This game was classified as a Quadrant 1 matchup for New Orleans, but a Quadrant 4 game for McNeese State, highlighting the disparity in the teams' current standing.
Larry Johnson's outstanding performance was the difference-maker here. His ability to score, rebound, and facilitate for his teammates made him nearly unguardable at times. Johnson's efforts have been crucial to McNeese State's success this season, and his continued strong play will be essential as the Cowboys navigate the remainder of their schedule.
As for the tournament implications, McNeese State's win, although expected, helps to bolster their resume. The Cowboys' current net ranking of 59 suggests they are firmly in the mix for a postseason berth. However, with this win being classified as a Quadrant 4 game, it may not significantly boost their chances. Nevertheless, McNeese State's overall body of work and strong record will keep them in the conversation as the season progresses. For New Orleans, the loss in a Quadrant 1 game may have stung, but it's not a devastating blow to their tournament hopes, given their current standing and the opportunities that still lie ahead.