LSU and McNeese to Face Off in Lake Charles Benefit Game

Proceeds from the exhibition match will support the McNeese basketball program.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:34pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a college basketball game, with the players and court fragmented into overlapping planes of purple, gold, blue, and orange.The upcoming exhibition match between LSU and McNeese State will showcase the programs' rivalry while also supporting the Cowboys' basketball team.Baton Rouge Today

LSU and McNeese State University's men's basketball teams will meet in an exhibition game this fall in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The game is being organized as a fundraiser for the McNeese basketball program, with all ticket sales proceeds going to support the Cowboys. LSU head coach Will Wade previously coached at McNeese and has pledged to always support the program there.

Why it matters

This game represents an opportunity for the McNeese basketball program to generate much-needed funding, as well as a chance for coach Will Wade to reconnect with his former team and community in Lake Charles. The matchup between the two in-state programs is also expected to generate excitement and interest among basketball fans across Louisiana.

The details

The exhibition game between LSU and McNeese will take place this fall at the Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles. This will only be the second time LSU has played in Lake Charles, with the Tigers previously defeating the Cowboys 77-62 in 1986. All ticket sales revenue from the upcoming game will go directly to supporting the McNeese basketball program.

  • The LSU-McNeese exhibition game will take place this fall, though an exact date has not yet been announced.
  • In 1986, LSU last played in Lake Charles, defeating McNeese 77-62.

The players

Will Wade

The current head coach of the LSU men's basketball team, who previously coached at McNeese State University in Lake Charles.

McNeese State University

A public university located in Lake Charles, Louisiana that fields a Division I men's basketball team in the Southland Conference.

LSU Tigers

The men's basketball team of Louisiana State University, a flagship public research university located in Baton Rouge.

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What they’re saying

“I will always support the McNeese basketball program.”

— Will Wade, Head Coach, LSU Men's Basketball

What’s next

The specific date for the LSU-McNeese exhibition game in Lake Charles has not yet been announced, but it is expected to take place sometime this fall ahead of the regular college basketball season.

The takeaway

This exhibition game represents a unique opportunity for the McNeese basketball program to generate much-needed funding, as well as a chance for coach Will Wade to reconnect with his former team and community in Lake Charles. The matchup between the two in-state programs is also expected to create excitement among basketball fans across Louisiana.