LAKE CHARLES, La. (Interstat) — Larry Johnson scored 23 points as McNeese State pulled away in the second half for a 70-54 victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in a Southland Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Burton Coliseum.

The Cowboys, who improved to 23-5, led just 24-23 at halftime but outscored the Islanders 46-31 after the break. Johnson added four assists for McNeese State, which forced 18 turnovers and recorded 11 steals.

Nicholas Shogbonyo led Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (14-14) with 20 points. The Islanders shot just 44.4% from the field and were hampered by 18 turnovers.

McNeese State shot 43.9% overall and made 16 of 22 free throws. Tyshawn Archie added 17 points for the Cowboys in front of 3,298 fans.