Cowboys Keep Title Hopes Alive with Home Win

McNeese defeats Texas-Rio Grande Valley to stay in Southland Conference race

Feb. 24, 2026 at 4:06am

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The McNeese Cowboys kept their hopes of a third straight Southland Conference regular-season championship alive with a 75-68 victory over Texas-Rio Grande Valley on Monday night. The win, coupled with Stephen F. Austin's loss, moves the Cowboys within a game of the Lumberjacks with two games remaining. McNeese extended its home winning streak to 27 games and 33 straight against Southland opponents.

Why it matters

The Cowboys are in the hunt for their third consecutive Southland Conference regular-season title, a significant accomplishment that would cement their status as one of the top programs in the league. This victory over a tough Texas-Rio Grande Valley squad keeps them in the race heading into the final stretch of the season.

The details

McNeese was led by senior DJ Richards, who had 8 points, and a balanced scoring effort that included 20 points and 9 rebounds from Larry Johnson, 15 points from Tyshawn Archie, and 10 points and 9 rebounds from Jerrell Colbert. The Cowboys led 34-24 at halftime and held off a late Vaqueros rally to secure the victory.

  • McNeese will play at New Orleans on Saturday, February 28.
  • The Cowboys will finish the regular season at Nicholls next Monday, March 2, on national television.

The players

DJ Richards

A senior on the McNeese basketball team who has been part of the Cowboys' past two Southland Conference championship teams.

Bill Armstrong

The head coach of the McNeese Cowboys basketball team.

Jerrell Colbert

A senior forward for the McNeese Cowboys who had 10 points and 9 rebounds in the win.

Larry Johnson

The leading scorer for the McNeese Cowboys, recording 20 points and 9 rebounds in the game.

Tyshawn Archie

A McNeese player who scored 15 points, including a key 3-pointer in the second half to help the Cowboys pull away.

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What they’re saying

“No one came here to win the regular season. We want to win it, but the main goal is to win the Southland tournament and get to the NCAA.”

— DJ Richards, Senior (americanpress.com)

“For us to stay undefeated for the year at home, that's special.”

— Bill Armstrong, Head Coach (americanpress.com)

“It was a nightmare when they beat us. I didn't want to lose to them again.”

— Jerrell Colbert, Senior Forward (americanpress.com)

What’s next

The Cowboys will be on the road at New Orleans on Saturday, February 28, and then finish the regular season next Monday, March 2, at Nicholls, which will be televised nationally.

The takeaway

McNeese's victory over Texas-Rio Grande Valley keeps them in the hunt for their third straight Southland Conference regular-season title, demonstrating the program's consistent excellence and the team's determination to reach the NCAA Tournament, which has been their ultimate goal all along.