In a thrilling matchup on Friday, McNeese secured a 76-68 victory over Illinois State in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Javohn Garcia was a standout for the Cowboys, contributing significantly with 16 points and snagging seven rebounds, showcasing his versatility on the court.

Brandon Murray also played a key role in the win, scoring 13 points, with an efficient performance that included 4 of 10 shooting from the field and 5 of 7 from the free-throw line. Additionally, Sincere Parker matched Murray’s tally with his own 13 points, demonstrating his shooting skills by going 4 for 8, including 2 for 5 from beyond the arc, along with a solid free-throw performance of 3 for 4.

For the Redbirds, Ty Pence emerged as their leading scorer, ending the game with 14 points and pulling down six rebounds. Malachi Poindexter chipped in with 13 points, while Logan Wolf added 11 points to the effort, but it wasn’t enough to clinch the win for Illinois State as they fell to a record of 3-2.

The game showcased competitive play, with both teams battling fiercely for control, but McNeese ultimately prevailed, improving their season record to 3-2.