Preview: McNeese State Cowboys at New Orleans Privateers

NEW ORLEANS (Interstat) — The Southland Conference’s top team visits the Crescent City on Saturday as the McNeese State Cowboys face the New Orleans Privateers at Kiefer Lakefront Arena.

McNeese State (24-5, 14-2 Southland) enters on an eight-game winning streak and holds a commanding position in the league standings. The Cowboys have been dominant, winning their last three contests by an average of 14 points. Their last loss was a 67-60 defeat at Stephen F. Austin on Feb. 2.

New Orleans (15-15, 10-6) has found momentum, winning four of its last five games to climb to third in the conference. The Privateers are coming off a 77-73 road victory at Stephen F. Austin on Monday.

The Cowboys won the first meeting this season decisively, 82-63 at home on Jan. 24. McNeese State has relied on balanced scoring and stout defense, allowing just 64.2 points per game during its current streak.

A key matchup will feature two of the league’s premier guards. McNeese State’s Larry Johnson has been a consistent force, averaging 16.4 points over his last eight games. He scored 20 in Monday’s 75-68 win over Texas-Rio Grande Valley.

New Orleans counters with high-scoring guard Coleton Benson, who is coming off a 30-point performance in the win over Stephen F. Austin. Benson has averaged 19.1 points over his last eight contests, including a 34-point outburst on Feb. 2.

For McNeese State, maintaining its defensive intensity will be critical against a Privateers squad averaging 77.3 points per game at home. New Orleans will need to improve its perimeter defense and rebound effectively to contain the Cowboys’ multifaceted attack and avenge January’s loss.

Tip-off is set for 4:30 p.m. CST on Saturday, Feb. 28.