McNeese Cowboys Edge Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks 66-64
Monday, January 5, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Townsley Law Arena
McNeese Cowboys 66, Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks 64, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks vs McNeese Cowboys?
McNeese Cowboys beat Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks 66-64 at Townsley Law Arena on January 5, 2026.
Who was favored in Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks vs McNeese Cowboys?
McNeese Cowboys were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -600 (about 86% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the McNeese Cowboys narrowly defeated the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks with a final score of 66-64. This victory marks an impressive continuation of McNeese's strong season, as both teams entered the game with identical records of 12-3. The game took place at the Townsley Law Arena, where McNeese has maintained an undefeated home record of 5-0 this season.
The Cowboys have been in solid form, winning eight of their last ten games, with a current streak of one victory. Their scoring average over these ten games is 79.5 points per game, while they have allowed an average of 71.3 points to their opponents. In their last five games, McNeese has averaged 79.8 points scored and 76.0 points allowed, showcasing their offensive capabilities but also highlighting some defensive vulnerabilities.
On the other hand, the Lumberjacks have been on a remarkable winning streak, having won their last seven games and also holding an overall record of 12-3. Their scoring average during their last ten games stands at 76.5 points, while they have been particularly strong defensively, allowing only 63.2 points per game. In their last five games, Stephen F. Austin has averaged 78.8 points scored and just 58.0 points allowed, indicating a dominant stretch of play.
In terms of home versus away performance, McNeese has excelled at home with a perfect 5-0 record, while Stephen F. Austin has performed well on the road, boasting a 4-2 record in away games. This game was significant not only for the standings but also as a continuation of their recent rivalry. In their previous two meetings during the 2025 season, McNeese had emerged victorious both times, winning 79-59 at home and 95-64 away.
Injury reports did not indicate any significant absences for either team, allowing both squads to field their best lineups for this crucial encounter. The betting market reflected McNeese's status as the favorite, with DraftKings setting the spread at -10.5 in favor of the Cowboys and the total points line at 144.5. The money line was also heavily in favor of McNeese at -600, while Stephen F. Austin was priced at +440.
The conditions during the game were typical for this time of year, with both teams adjusting to the indoor environment of the arena. Fans were treated to a competitive atmosphere as both teams fought for dominance on the court. As the game progressed, key moments highlighted the intensity of the matchup. Notably, in the second half, Larry Johnson tied the game at 60 with a driving layup, followed by Lateef Patrick's free throws that pushed Stephen F. Austin ahead briefly.
However, McNeese responded effectively, with Javohn Garcia hitting a crucial jumper to equalize, and Jerrell Colbert's layup, assisted by Johnson, gave McNeese a lead they would not relinquish. DJ Richards Jr. further extended the lead with two successful free throws, bringing the score to 66-62 before a late layup from Jerald Colonel brought the Lumberjacks within two points.
Ultimately, McNeese's ability to execute in critical moments secured their victory, reinforcing their strong home record and adding another win to their impressive season. As both teams look ahead, the implications of this game will be significant as they continue their campaigns in the NCAAB.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MCN -10.5 | 144.5 o -110 / u -110 | Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks +440 · McNeese Cowboys -600 |
Leaders
- PointsLarry Johnson18McNeese Cowboys
- AssistsGarwey Dual4McNeese Cowboys
- ReboundsLarry Johnson8McNeese Cowboys
- PointsLateef Patrick15Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks
- AssistsLateef Patrick5Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks
- ReboundsChrishawn Christmas11Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks
Recent form
McNeese Cowboys
Last 10: 8-2Streak W179.5 scored · 71.3 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W82-70vs Lamar CardinalsJan 3
- L71-112at Michigan WolverinesDec 30
- W78-68at Houston Christian HuskiesDec 16
- W102-66vs East Texas A&M LionsDec 13
- W66-64at Rhode Island RamsDec 10
- W92-54vs Northwestern State DemonsDec 6
- L67-71at Incarnate Word CardinalsDec 2
- W72-62vs Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersNov 25
- W73-60vs Murray State RacersNov 25
- W92-86at George Washington RevolutionariesNov 23
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks
Last 10: 8-2Streak W776.5 scored · 63.2 allowed per game4-2 away
- W73-63at SE Louisiana LionsJan 3
- W74-64at Northwestern State DemonsDec 31
- W75-48at East Texas A&M LionsDec 30
- W103-55vs Dallas CrusadersDec 21
- W69-60vs Texas A&M-Corpus Christi IslandersDec 18
- W96-76vs UL Monroe WarhawksDec 7
- W73-60vs UT Rio Grande Valley VaquerosDec 4
- L61-66at UT Arlington MavericksNov 29
- W63-60at Pepperdine WavesNov 22
- L78-80at Fresno State BulldogsNov 19
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen F. Austin | 28-6 | - | 20-2 |
| McNeese | 28-6 | 1 | 19-3 |
| UT Rio Grande Valley | 19-14 | 6 | 14-8 |
| Texas A&M-Corpus Christi | 18-15 | 7 | 13-9 |
| LSU New Orleans | 15-18 | 8 | 12-10 |
| Nicholls | 14-19 | 8 | 12-10 |
| Houston Christian | 12-20 | 12 | 8-14 |
| Northwestern State | 10-22 | 12 | 8-14 |
| Incarnate Word | 12-19 | 13 | 7-15 |
| Lamar | 12-19 | 13 | 7-15 |
| East Texas A&M | 11-21 | 14 | 6-16 |
| SE Louisiana | 9-22 | 14 | 6-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks | McNeese Cowboys |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-58 | 25-63 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 40 |
| Three-pointers | 10-27 | 8-29 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 28 |
| Free throws | 4-7 | 8-13 |
| Free throw % | 57 | 62 |
| Rebounds | 40 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 17 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 22 |
| Assists | 14 | 10 |
| Steals | 4 | 10 |
| Blocks | 0 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 3 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 0 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 30 |
| Fouls | 16 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 75 | 10 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half25-25DJ Richards Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Javohn Garcia assists)
- 1st Half28-25Kam Burton makes 23-foot three point jumper (Keon Thompson assists)
- 1st Half28-27Yanis Ndjonga makes layup (DJ Richards Jr. assists)
- 1st Half31-27Ahamed Mohammed makes 23-foot three point jumper (Christian Green assists)
- 1st Half31-28Tyshawn Archie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half31-29Tyshawn Archie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half31-32Tyshawn Archie makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 1st Half33-32Lateef Patrick makes 4-foot turnaround jump shot
- 1st Half35-32Chrishawn Christmas makes layup
- 1st Half35-34Javohn Garcia makes layup (Garwey Dual assists)
- 1st Half38-34Narit Chotikavanic makes 23-foot three point jumper (Keon Thompson assists)
- 2nd Half40-34Keon Thompson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half40-36Jerrell Colbert makes 1-foot hook shot (Garwey Dual assists)
- 2nd Half40-38Larry Johnson makes 17-foot jumper
- 2nd Half40-40Jerrell Colbert makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half42-40Lateef Patrick makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-40Lateef Patrick makes 23-foot three point jumper (Chrishawn Christmas assists)
- 2nd Half47-40Gediminas Alisas makes 2-foot jumper
- 2nd Half47-42Javohn Garcia makes driving layup
- 2nd Half47-44Tyshawn Archie makes layup
- 2nd Half47-47Tyshawn Archie makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half49-47Keon Thompson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-48Carl Cherenfant makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-48Chrishawn Christmas makes layup
- 2nd Half54-48Kam Burton makes 22-foot three point jumper (Lateef Patrick assists)
- 2nd Half54-50Larry Johnson makes 19-foot jumper (Javohn Garcia assists)
- 2nd Half56-50Keon Thompson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-53Larry Johnson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Garwey Dual assists)
- 2nd Half56-56DJ Richards Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Garwey Dual assists)
- 2nd Half58-56Jerald Colonel makes 5-foot turnaround jump shot (Keon Thompson assists)
- 2nd Half60-56Chrishawn Christmas makes layup
- 2nd Half60-58Larry Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-60Larry Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-60Lateef Patrick makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-60Lateef Patrick makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-62Javohn Garcia makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half62-64Jerrell Colbert makes layup (Larry Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half62-65DJ Richards Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-66DJ Richards Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-66Jerald Colonel makes layup (Chrishawn Christmas assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours McNeese Cowboys, below favours Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks.
Venue
- Townsley Law ArenaLake Charles, LA
- Attendance2784
- OfficialsSteven Anderson, Ross Cullins, Stephen Orkus Jr
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- McNeese Cowboys Defeat Lumberjacks 76-59Mar 11, 2026
- Lumberjacks Edge Cowboys in Competitive ShowdownFeb 2, 2026