LAKE CHARLES, La. – The No. 2 McNeese Cowboys captured their third straight Southland Conference Championship, defeating No. 1 Stephen F. Austin 76–59 in a dominant performance Wednesday afternoon at the Townsley Law Arena.

McNeese took control early and never looked back. After the game was briefly tied in the opening minutes, the Cowboys exploded offensively behind a blistering first half from Javohn Garcia, who poured in points from everywhere on the floor as McNeese shot over 55 percent in the opening period. The Cowboys built momentum with transition buckets and defensive stops, closing the half on a surge to take a 42–25 lead into the break.

The Lumberjacks attempted to rally in the second half behind Player of the Year Keon Thompson, but McNeese consistently answered. The Cowboys pushed the lead to as many as 24 points, controlling the paint and converting turnovers into easy offense to keep SFA at arm’s length throughout the final period.

The victory secures McNeese’s third consecutive Southland Tournament title, becoming the first program to three-peat since Stephen F. Austin from 2014–16.

In his first season leading the program, head coach Bill Armstrong captured his first Southland championship, continuing the Cowboys’ remarkable run atop the league.

Javohn Garcia finished with 31 points and was named Southland Tournament MVP after a sensational tournament run.

Garcia was joined on the All-Tournament Team by teammates Larry Johnson and Tyshawn Archie, while Keon Thompson (SFA) and Koree Cotton (UTRGV) also earned selection for their standout performances during the week.

With the win, McNeese returns to the NCAA Tournament for the third straight year, continuing the momentum from last season’s memorable 69–67 upset of No. 5 Clemson in Providence during March Madness.

Coverage of the 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship will begin with the Selection Show on Sunday, March 15, from 5–6 p.m. CT on CBS, providing the first live look at the tournament bracket.