LAKE CHARLES, La. (Interstat) — A surging McNeese State team looks to continue its strong start when it hosts a Lamar squad seeking consistency in a Southland Conference men’s basketball matchup Friday at Burton Coliseum.

The Cowboys (10-3) enter the new year with double-digit non-conference wins, highlighted by victories over Rhode Island and George Washington. Their most recent outing, however, was a 112-71 road loss to powerhouse Michigan on Dec. 29. Guard Garwey Dual led McNeese State with 15 points and three assists in that game. Dual has been a steady facilitator, averaging 5.2 assists over his last five contests.

McNeese State’s offense has been potent, scoring 92 or more points in three games this season, including a 102-66 rout of Texas A&M-Commerce on Dec. 12. The Cowboys’ three losses have come against Michigan, Incarnate Word and a narrow 66-64 defeat at Rhode Island where they rallied but fell short.

The visiting Lamar Cardinals (7-6) have alternated wins and losses over their past six games. They are coming off a 69-62 road win at Texas A&M-Commerce on Wednesday. Forward Andrew Holifield paced the Cardinals with 16 points, five rebounds and three blocks in that victory. Holifield has shown scoring versatility, posting 24 points against Texas-Rio Grande Valley on Dec. 16 and 16 points in the most recent win.

Lamar’s season has featured a mix of promising wins, like a 79-66 victory at Louisiana-Monroe, and setbacks, including a 57-49 home loss to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The Cardinals have struggled at times offensively, failing to reach 70 points in four of their six losses.

This game opens the conference slate for both teams. McNeese State will aim to leverage its home court, where it is 5-1 this season, while Lamar looks to start a winning streak after snapping a two-game skid on Wednesday. The teams will meet again in Beaumont, Texas, on Jan. 31.