McNeese State University’s basketball teams, the Cowboys (men’s) and Cowgirls (women’s), compete in the Southland Conference of NCAA Division I. Both teams play their home games at The Legacy Center in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Men’s Basketball:
- 2024–2025 Season: The Cowboys, under the leadership of second-year head coach Will Wade, secured the Southland Conference regular-season championship with a 17–1 conference record. They clinched the Southland Conference tournament title, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament. In the tournament, McNeese fell to Texas Southern in the first round.
- 2023–2024 Season: The Cowboys finished with a 30–4 overall record and a 17–1 conference record, also winning the Southland Conference tournament. They made their third NCAA tournament appearance, where they lost in the first round.
Women’s Basketball:
- The Cowgirls have a storied history, including a Southland Conference tournament title in 2011, which led to their NCAA tournament appearance that year. They have also earned several NIT invitations, with the most recent in 2011.
For the latest information on schedules, player rosters, and upcoming games, please visit the official McNeese Athletics website.