McNeese Survives in New Orleans, Sets Up National TV Finale Against Nicholls

Thibodeaux, Louisiana (KNGT-FM) - It took a last-minute Tyshawn Archie bucket Saturday in the Big Easy to keep McNeese's hopes of a third straight Southland Conference regular season title alive.

Now, McNeese will turn their attention to a nationally televised game with Nicholls on Monday.

On Saturday, the Cowboys beat the New Orleans Privateers 66-63 in a tough game inside Lakefront Arena. It was one of the gutsiest wins of the season for Armstrong and his Cowboys as McNeese was missing Javohn Garcia because of a leg injury, Larry Johnson played through cramps, and Garwey Dual fouled out and played about 25 minutes.

McNeese trailed late in the game but did not give up. With just seconds left, Tyshawn Archie drove to the basket and scored the game-winning layup with 2.6 seconds remaining. Archie and Johnson both poured in 17 points, with Peitok Machar coming off the bench to play big minutes, tossing in 9 points and pulling down 4 boards.

McNeese, 25-5 overall and 18-3 in Southland Conference play, currently sits in second place, but the idea of repeating as Conference Champs isn't completely out of the realm of possibility, yet. They will need some help if they want to tie Stephen F Austin as conference champions.

McNeese To Face Nicholls Monday on National Television

Nicholls is 13-17 overall and 12-9 in conference play. The Colonels are still fighting for a first-round bye in the tournament. Last season, Nicholls handed McNeese its only conference loss in Thibodaux.

Nicholls survived Southeastern on Saturday, 68-60. Trae English led the way with 16 points, while Sincere Malone posted a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double. Zee Hamoda and Grant Sanders each added 11.

Monday's regular season finale will be broadcast on National Television on CBS Sports Network with tip-off set for 6:30 inside Stopher Gymnasium in Thibodeaux.