CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Interstat) — McNeese State built a large first-half lead and never looked back in a 69-53 victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in a Southland Conference men’s basketball game Monday afternoon at American Bank Center.

The Cowboys led 40-32 at halftime and held the Islanders to just 21 points in the second half. Larry Johnson led McNeese State with 17 points and nine rebounds. Carl Cherenfant added 13 points and seven rebounds.

Sheldon Williams scored 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds for Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The announced attendance was 1,038.

With the win, McNeese State improved to 15-4 overall. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi fell to 10-9.