In a stunning start to Southland Conference play, the Incarnate Word Cardinals pulled off a 71–67 upset over the McNeese Cowboys on Monday night at the McDermott Center in San Antonio. McNeese, the reigning back-to-back Southland regular-season and tournament champions, entered the game as heavy favorites. Their dominance over the past two seasons had made them the team to beat, but UIW had other plans.

For the Cardinals, the victory represents more than just one win. It is a major statement that the conference race is far from decided, and it sends a clear message to the rest of the league: nothing in the Southland is guaranteed.

Game Summary and Key Stats

The game was closely contested throughout. UIW led 34–32 at halftime, keeping pace with McNeese in a first half that featured tight defense and critical three-point shooting. The second half saw UIW outscore McNeese 37–35, holding on for the four-point victory.

McNeese shot 50 percent from the field but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 3 of 15 three-point attempts. UIW capitalized on perimeter shooting, making 8 of 21 attempts from long range. The Cardinals also controlled the boards, finishing with 29 rebounds to McNeese’s 23. Turnovers were a factor for both teams, with UIW committing 16 and McNeese 13.

Key Performers:

• Davion Bailey (UIW): Bailey led all scorers with 29 points, connecting on 7 of 15 three-pointers and contributing 5 assists.

• Jordan Pyke (UIW): Pyke added 17 points and 7 rebounds, making crucial free throws down the stretch.

• Marcus Glover (UIW): Glover’s offensive rebound and put-back layup with under 10 seconds left proved decisive in sealing the win.

• Garwey Dual (McNeese): Dual led the Cowboys with 18 points, shooting 8 of 10 from the field.

• Javohn Garcia (McNeese): Garcia scored 13 points, including a go-ahead basket late in the game, but the Cowboys were unable to convert in the final seconds.

Dramatic Finish

The final minute provided the most thrilling moments of the game. McNeese briefly took the lead with 29 seconds remaining on a Garcia layup. UIW quickly responded, with Pyke hitting a free throw to tie the game. After a missed second free throw, Marcus Glover grabbed the offensive rebound and scored the decisive put-back layup, giving UIW a 69–67 lead. McNeese’s final attempt to reclaim the lead missed, and UIW made two free throws in the closing second to secure the 71–67 victory.

Implications for the Southland Conference

This loss is a wake-up call for McNeese. Despite their past dominance, the Cowboys showed vulnerability against a disciplined and confident opponent. The game highlights the importance of three-point shooting, rebounding, and late-game execution in conference play.

For UIW, the victory is a major confidence booster. It demonstrates that the Cardinals can compete with the best teams in the league and succeed under pressure. Moving forward, UIW will carry momentum into the rest of the Southland schedule, and other teams will now view them as a legitimate contender.

This result also sets the tone for a potentially unpredictable Southland season, where any team capable of hitting timely shots and executing down the stretch can make an impact. McNeese will need to regroup quickly if they hope to continue their quest for a third consecutive regular-season title, while UIW can build on this performance as a springboard for the remainder of the season.