McNeese State Looks to Continue Dominant Season at Nicholls State

THIBODAUX, La. (Interstat) — The surging McNeese State Cowboys, boasting one of the nation’s top records, visit the Nicholls State Colonels in a Southland Conference men’s basketball matchup Monday night at Stopher Gym.

McNeese State (25-5, 13-2 Southland) enters on an eight-game winning streak following a 66-63 road victory at New Orleans on Saturday. The Cowboys, installed as 11.5-point favorites, have dominated conference play and hold a commanding lead in the league standings. Their only loss since Jan. 12 was a 67-60 defeat at Stephen F. Austin on Feb. 2.

The Cowboys are led by guard Tyshawn Archie, who is averaging 16.1 points per game during the winning streak. Archie scored 17 points in the win over New Orleans and had a 24-point performance at Northwestern State on Feb. 16. Forward Larry Johnson, who also had 17 points Saturday, provides a consistent secondary scoring threat.

Nicholls State (13-17, 7-8) snapped a two-game skid with a 68-60 home win over Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday. The Colonels have shown resilience at home, winning three of their last four at Stopher Gym. Guard Sincere Malone paces the Colonels, coming off a 15-point, 5-assist effort against Southeastern Louisiana. He averaged 14.3 points in three games last week.

The previous meeting this season was not close, with McNeese State routing Nicholls State 94-68 in Lake Charles on Jan. 12. The Cowboys have won five straight in the series.

For Nicholls State to pull an upset, it must find a way to slow McNeese State’s efficient offense, which averages 77.2 points per game. The Colonels will need a standout performance from Malone and productive minutes from Trae English, who scored 16 points Saturday.

The over/under for total points is set at 145.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST. McNeese State can clinch at least a share of the Southland Conference regular-season title with a victory.