March 5, 2008

Final Stats

McNeese State held the early lead but couldn't hang on as Southeastern Louisiana posted a 69-63 Southland Conference victory here Wednesday.

The Cowboys had led by a 29-25 score at halftime and McNeese was up by seven at 39-32 with 16:10 left in the game.

Southeastern then went on a 22-5 run to take a 10 point lead and led the rest of the way. McNeese challenged to get to within two points at 62-60 but the Lions went on to outscore them 7-3 the rest of the way to take the win.

The victory moved the Lions out of a tie with the Cowboys in the eastern division standings. They are now 8-7 in league play and the Cowboys dropped to 7-8. Overall Southeastern is 16-12 and McNeese is 13-14. Both teams have one game remaining on their regular season schedule and then will appear in the conference tournament next week.

The Cowboys had entered the game - designated Senior Night as the five seniors on the team were honored in pre-game ceremonies - with the possibility of being a No. 4 seed in the tournament if they could have won their last two games but now will fall down into the lower bracket.

Their 7-8 record puts the Cowboys in fourth place in the eastern division standings and tied with UT Arlington and UT San Antonio for overall sixth place.

Kevyn Green held the hot hand for the Lions in Wednesday's game as he tossed in a game high 29 points, making seven of 10 three point shots. Patrick Sullivan added 14 points and Warrell Span 12.

On a night that was dedicated to McNeese's five senior players, junior John Pichon was the top player. He pitched in 25 points and was the only double figure scorer for the Cowboys.

Jarvis Bradley, the team's leading scorer on the season, was held scoreless in the first half and wound up with eight points, six of them coming at the free throw line.

John Ford also didn't put up his average as he was limited to five points and only had one assist.

The Lions made five of six three point goals in the second half and 58 percent of all of their field goals in that period. McNeese didn't have one of its better shooting games, making only three of 11 three point goals and 44 percent of all of their field goals.

The Cowboys did hold a 34-27 edge in rebounding with 6-11 Kleon Penn getting a game high 12 as well as three blocked shots. McNeese will conclude its regular season Saturday against Nicholls State in Thibodaux.

Jarvis Bradley with mother Patricia Franklin-Blackmon and Coach Dave Simmons

John Ford with his father John LaCour, his mother Patricia Ford, Coach Dave Simmons and assistant athletic director Ryan Ivey.

Rorey Lawrence with parents Rorey Lawrence Sr. and Patricia Lawrence and head coach Dave Simmons

Kleon Penn with Coach and Mrs. David Dumars, head coach Dave Simmons, assistant athletic director Ryan Ivey and former Cowboy standout Edmond Lawrence.

Aldryan Wardell with mother Faye Wardell, grandmother Northell Wardell and Coach Dave Simmons.