HAMMOND, La. – McNeese scored 46 points in the second half to pull away from the Southeastern Louisiana men's basketball, 77-61, Wednesday night at the University Center.
                                                        
The Lions (5-14, 2-6 Southland) got a career-high 17 points from Maxwell Starwood, making his first career start in place of junior Pape Diop who was out with a concussion (day-to-day). Starwood, a junior forward, finished 6-for-12 from the field, had six steals and added five rebounds. Sophomore Ty Brewer chipped in with 15 points and nine rebounds while freshman Byron Smith had 14.
 
The Cowboys (10-9, 5-3 Southland) were led by reigning Southland Conference Player of the Week Sha'Markus Kennedy with 26 points which tied his season high. The preseason second team All-Southland selection finished 11-for-13 from the field and blocked five shots. Junior A.J. Lawson added 17 points including 6-for-7 from the free throw line. Junior Dru Kuxhausen finished with 16 points and drilled four three-pointers to pace McNeese to their fifth straight win.
 
Southeastern took an early lead, 18-11, after a three-pointer by Brewer with 12:14 left in the first half. However, the Lions went cold scoring just two points in the next 11:27 before Starwood scored the final four points of the half. The Cowboys held a 31-24 advantage at halftime.
 
The Cowboys opened the second half on a 25-10 run highlighted by six three-pointers to take control of the game, 56-34, and led by as much as 25.
 
McNeese shot 26-for-49 (53 percent) from the field and was 18-for-21 (85 percent) from the free throw line. The Lions were 22-for-60 (36 percent) and lost the rebounding battle, 37-28. The Lions and Cowboys will meet again Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m. in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
 
Next up, SLU will take on Northwestern State (7-10, 4-4 Southland) Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. The Demons lost at home Wednesday night to league-leading Stephen F. Austin, 69-62.
 
HARDWOOD CLUB/S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the basketball program are encouraged to join the Hardwood Club.  Lion alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letterwinners.  All membership fees and donations to Hardwood Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern basketball program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
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