- Matchup: UTRGV Vaqueros vs McNeese Cowboys
- Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
- Venue: Townsley Law Arena in Lake Charles, LA
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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On Tuesday, the McNeese Cowboys (26-5) clash with the UTRGV Vaqueros (18-13) in the Southland Tournament Semifinals at the Townsley Law Arena.
The UTRGV Vaqueros recently triumphed over Northwestern State with a score of 74-62. UT Rio Grande achieved a notable 49.2% shooting accuracy (29 out of 59) and successfully converted 9 of their 23 attempts from beyond the arc. At the free-throw line, the Vaqueros hit 7 of 10 shots for a 70.0% success rate. On the boards, they recorded a total of 28 rebounds, including 6 on the offensive end. The team also registered 16 assists and forced their opponents into 12 turnovers while achieving 7 steals. Defensively, UT Rio Grande allowed Northwestern State to shoot 47.9% from the field (23 of 48). Northwestern State contributed 14 assists and secured 4 steals but managed only 26 rebounds (5 offensive, 21 defensive) without any blocks. Their free-throw shooting was 59.1% (13 of 22) and they made 3 of 10 attempts from long range. In terms of fouls, the Vaqueros accumulated 19 while Northwestern State had 15.
Koree Cotton was a standout performer, finishing with 21 points on 8 of 14 shooting and contributing 7 rebounds and 1 assist over 32 minutes on the court, achieving a shooting percentage of 57.1%.
UT Rio Grande enters this matchup with an 18-13 record. The team averages 11.7 turnovers and commits 17.9 personal fouls per game. They collect an average of 34.8 rebounds and boast 513 assists this season, ranking 57th in D-1 for their passing performance. Their 3-point shooting stands at 37.2% (288 of 774), and they hit 75.6% from the free-throw line. They score an average of 75.5 points per game (186th in college basketball) while shooting 47.2% from the floor.
Defensively, the Vaqueros force an average of 11.0 turnovers each game while drawing 15.6 fouls. They limit opponents to 30.4% on 3-point attempts and are ranked 57th in D-1 for points allowed per game (69.1). The defense permits a shooting percentage of 41.5% (732 of 1,764) and gives up an average of 33.9 rebounds per contest, placing them at 201st in D-1 for assists allowed, totaling 427 this season.
In their last encounter, McNeese Cowboys triumphed with a 75-65 victory over Nicholls State. They gathered a total of 22 rebounds, including 16 defensive and 6 offensive. The Cowboys committed only 5 turnovers while securing 12 steals. Nicholls State received 18 fouls, leading to McNeese’s 28 free-throw attempts, of which they converted 24 for an impressive 85.7% completion rate. From beyond the arc, McNeese made 5 of 24 attempts (20.8%) and shot 42.6% overall from the field (23 of 54). Defensively, the Cowboys allowed Nicholls State to score on 18 of their 55 shots (32.7%) and struggled against the perimeter, allowing 9 of 31 attempts (29.0%). They sealed the game with a 66.7% performance at the charity stripe (20 of 30), relinquishing 37 rebounds in total (17 offensive).
Larry Johnson shone for the Cowboys, scoring 25 points during his 34 minutes of play without any assists. He finished with a shooting rate of 50.0%, hitting 7 out of 14 attempts, and secured 6 rebounds.
McNeese boasts a 26-5 season record. The Cowboys average 18.8 fouls per game and shoot 75.5% from the free-throw line. They deliver 14.1 assists per contest (160th nationally) while committing 9.5 turnovers. McNeese has tallied 2,481 points this season, averaging 80.0 points per game, and secures 34.7 rebounds per game. Offensively, they shoot 47.0% from the field, ranking 75th in D-1.
Defensively, McNeese ranks 23rd in college basketball by allowing only 66.3 points per game. Their opponents average 16.9 turnovers against them, and they permit a field goal percentage of 40.6% (29th in the nation). The Cowboys allow a 3-point shooting percentage of 32.6% (254 of 780), and opponents convert 71.9% of their free throws. They concede 12.1 assists and 33.6 rebounds each game, placing them at 78th and 133rd in college basketball, respectively.
Who will come out on top in tonight’s NCAA game against the spread?
Prediction: Bet on McNeese
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