LAKE CHARLES, La. – In one of the most unforgettable games in Southland Conference Tournament history, the No. 2 McNeese Cowboys defeated the No. 3 UTRGV Vaqueros 84–80 in triple overtime Tuesday night in a semifinal that turned into a marathon battle.

The epic contest featured 13 ties and 13 lead changes, with neither team able to create separation as the intensity built with every possession. McNeese jumped out to a 12-point lead in the first half, but UTRGV battled back behind a dominant performance from Larry Johnson, who finished with 27 points and 12 rebounds to keep the Vaqueros within striking distance all night.

Regulation wasn’t enough to settle it. Nor was the first overtime. Or the second.

After trading punches through two extra periods, the Cowboys finally found the decisive run in the third overtime, using their physicality and work on the glass to create second chances and pull away late. McNeese finished the night with 40 points in the paint and 19 second-chance points, plays that proved pivotal in the closing minutes of the historic battle.

With the win, McNeese advances to the Southland Championship Game for the third consecutive season, becoming the first program to reach three straight finals since Stephen F. Austin from 2013–16.

Now the stage is set for a heavyweight showdown.

No. 1 seed SFA (29–4) will face No. 2 McNeese (28–5) in the Southland Championship Game tomorrow at 4 PM CT on ESPN2, with the conference title and NCAA Tournament automatic bid on the line.