Cowboys Set to Face Texas-Rio Grande Valley in Home Finale: Key Matchup Insights
Published: February 22, 2026, 12:49 PM
As the regular season approaches its end, the McNeese Cowboys are gearing up for an exciting home finale against the in-form Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros. The showdown is scheduled for 6:30 PM on Monday at the Townsley Law Arena, coinciding with Senior Night celebrations.
A High-Stakes Encounter
Coming off a significant win that solidified their position as the second seed, the Cowboys face a formidable opponent. Head Coach Bill Armstrong acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “They are playing really well right now, and we are going to have to be at our best. I don’t know if anybody is playing any better than them.”
Currently, the Vaqueros are on a remarkable run, boasting 10 victories in their last 11 games. With an overall record of 16-12 and a 12-7 mark in the Southland Conference, they are looking to solidify their playoff standing. Meanwhile, McNeese stands at 23-5 overall and 16-3 in conference play, trailing only Stephen F. Austin with three games left in the season.
Importance of the Matchup for RGV
The Vaqueros aim to secure either the third or fourth seed in the impending Southland Tournament, as higher seeds earn advantageous byes. The top two seeds gain a double bye to the semifinals, while the third and fourth seeds receive a single bye. This makes Monday’s clash not just a game but a pivotal moment in their season.
Recent Performances
Texas-Rio Grande Valley is coming off a decisive 96-75 victory over Southeastern, where standout players Koree Cotton and Filip Brankovic both contributed 18 points. Their offensive firepower will pose a significant threat to McNeese’s defense.
Conversely, the Cowboys recently defeated Texas A&M-Corpus Christi with a score of 70-54. Star player Larry Johnson delivered an impressive performance, recording his second career double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
Injury Report
McNeese will need to navigate Monday’s game without key player Javohn Garcia, who is sidelined due to a leg injury. Coach Armstrong noted that Garcia is “day-to-day,” emphasizing that his absence has required other players to step up their contributions.
Home Court Dominance
The Cowboys aim to extend their impressive home record to 27 consecutive wins, and they boast a remarkable 46-1 overall home performance over the past three years. This dominance in the Townsley Law Arena is a vital aspect of their success, which they strive to maintain.
Jacolb Cole, a forward for the Cowboys, highlighted the team’s mindset as they approach this critical matchup: “Every game matters. We don’t want to lose at home.” Cole had a solid outing against the Islanders, finishing with nine points and three rebounds.
A Look Back at Previous Matchup
This will be a rematch for McNeese, who suffered a narrow 79-76 loss to the Vaqueros on January 17. In that game, McNeese found itself behind at halftime, trailing 46-30 before making a late-game push. The Vaqueros’ strong shooting from beyond the arc – hitting 13 of 27 three-pointers – played a significant role in their victory, led by Melvin McGhee’s 15 points while Tyshawn Archie topped McNeese’s scoring chart with 23 points.
Preparing for Battle
As the night of the game approaches, both teams are aware of the stakes. Fans can expect high energy as the Cowboys defend their home turf against a hot RGV team while aiming for a great conclusion to the regular season.
For continuous updates on the Southland Conference and to catch this exhilarating matchup, stay tuned to McNeese Athletics.
This article provides an in-depth look at an essential game for both the McNeese Cowboys and Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros, offering fans insights into player performances, historical data, and implications for the upcoming tournament.
