McNeese has spent the past several seasons transforming itself from a relatively overlooked Southland Conference program into one of college basketball's most interesting mid-major teams. The Cowboys have developed a reputation for aggressive defense, physical play and an ability to compete against programs with considerably greater resources.
Thursday's visit to North Texas provides another opportunity to demonstrate that the program's recent success is sustainable.
McNeese opened the 2026–27 season with a 99–78 victory over UAB, producing an impressive offensive performance against an opponent from the American Conference. The Cowboys now face another American Conference program, creating an early opportunity to build momentum against competition that could become relevant when NCAA Tournament resumes are evaluated.
For a Southland Conference team, these opportunities carry additional importance. McNeese cannot rely on its conference schedule to provide the same number of quality victories available to teams in the SEC, Big Ten or Big 12. Winning games against respected mid-major opponents can help establish credibility before conference play begins.
McNeese already has a scorer capable of taking over
The Cowboys' opening victory featured an outstanding performance from Javohn Garcia's supporting cast, but it was Larry Johnson who delivered the biggest offensive statement. Johnson scored a career-high 31 points against UAB, surpassing the 30 he scored in last season's opener and demonstrating his ability to carry a significant portion of the scoring responsibility.
Johnson's performance was particularly impressive because McNeese initially struggled against the Blazers. UAB made five of its first six shots and established a 15–6 advantage, forcing the Cowboys to respond after a difficult opening stretch.
Johnson helped change the game by scoring nine consecutive points, sparking a run that gave McNeese its first lead. The Cowboys eventually established a 44–35 halftime advantage before continuing to build separation during the second half.
McNeese finished with 44 points in the paint and converted all eight of its dunk attempts, demonstrating how effectively it attacked the basket. The Cowboys also received nine assists from Dellquan Warren, whose ability to distribute the basketball helped create opportunities throughout the offense.
That combination of scoring, interior production and ball movement could become especially valuable against North Texas.
North Texas has reasons to believe it can answer
The Mean Green enter the season with considerable expectations of their own, particularly because they return American Conference Preseason Player of the Year David Stevenson. The Chicago native averaged 17.3 points per game last season, making him the conference's highest-scoring returning player.
Stevenson's presence gives North Texas a proven offensive centerpiece, but the Mean Green also have several newcomers expected to contribute. Transfer guard Cash Chavis arrives from UT Arlington after averaging 10.5 points per game last season, providing additional experience and scoring ability.
North Texas will be attempting to establish itself as a serious American Conference contender, and Thursday's game against McNeese offers an immediate opportunity to evaluate its roster against a program with recent NCAA Tournament experience.
The Mean Green also have history on their side. McNeese hasn't visited the Super Pit since 2017, when North Texas earned an 85–47 victory.
The teams have changed considerably since that meeting, but the setting remains a difficult one for visiting opponents.
This is the kind of game that matters in March
McNeese's recent success has demonstrated that programs outside the traditional power conferences can develop nationally competitive teams. The challenge is sustaining that level of performance while building a résumé strong enough to receive serious consideration beyond an automatic NCAA Tournament bid.
Thursday's game provides an opportunity to take another step in that direction.
A victory over North Texas would give McNeese consecutive wins against American Conference opponents, strengthening the Cowboys' early nonconference profile. It would also provide additional evidence that their impressive opening performance against UAB was more than a one-game offensive outburst.
North Texas has its own reasons to treat the contest as an important early measuring stick. The Mean Green want to establish themselves as contenders within their conference, and defeating a recent NCAA Tournament participant would provide an encouraging start.
For McNeese, the bigger opportunity is demonstrating that its program remains capable of competing against respected opponents outside the Southland.
The Cowboys have already delivered one impressive performance. Thursday gives them a chance to make an even stronger statement.
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