Preview: McNeese State Cowgirls at Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (Interstat) — Two of the Southland Conference’s top teams will clash Thursday when the McNeese State Cowgirls visit the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks at William R. Johnson Coliseum.

The matchup features the conference-leading Cowgirls (16-4), who bring an eight-game winning streak into Nacogdoches, against a formidable Ladyjacks squad (14-6) looking to defend its home court and rebound from a road loss.

McNeese State has been dominant during its streak, winning by an average margin of 22.5 points. In its most recent outing, a 77-41 rout of New Orleans on Jan. 24, the Cowgirls showcased a balanced attack. Tyreona Sibley contributed 10 points and six rebounds in just 17 minutes, while Dakota Howard added 11 points and eight boards. Sibley, a key facilitator, has been a model of efficiency, scoring in double figures in two of her last three games despite limited minutes in the Cowgirls’ deep rotation.

Stephen F. Austin saw a four-game win streak snapped in a 73-63 loss at Lamar on Saturday. In that game, Key Roseby led the Ladyjacks with 16 points and four rebounds. Roseby has been a consistent offensive force, averaging 15.1 points over her last eight contests, including a 21-point, 9-rebound performance in a win at New Orleans on Jan. 17.

The game presents a contrast in recent trajectories. McNeese State’s suffocating defense has held opponents to 50 points or fewer in four of its last five games. Stephen F. Austin boasts a high-powered offense, having scored at least 85 points in three of its last six games, but will be tested by the Cowgirls’ defensive pressure.

Historically, William R. Johnson Coliseum has been a tough venue for visitors. The Ladyjacks will aim to leverage that home-court advantage to hand McNeese State its first conference loss and tighten the league standings.

Tipoff is set for Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. The teams will meet again in the regular-season finale on March 2 in Lake Charles, Louisiana.