Both McNeese basketball teams proved they can hang with the best in their Southland Conference openers on Saturday. Now they have to prove they won’t overlook the rest.

The Cowgirls (7-5, 1-0 Southland) got things rolling with a 73-67 win over preseason conference favorite Stephen F. Austin and will look to keep it going against Houston Baptist in the front end of tonight’s doubleheader beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Burton Coliseum.

“It was a huge win, but we’re not satisfied,” said guard Amber Donnes, who had two critical 3-pointers down the stretch against SFA. “It’s only going to make us hungrier. We keep pushing each other every day. Our goal is to get better.”

The Huskies (6-6, 0-1) dropped their opener to defending SLC tournament champion Northwestern State by 10. 

Like SFA, HBU’s strength is in the post. Forward Monet Neal had 28 points and 18 rebounds against the Demons, but the leader is 6-footer Shanice Steenholdt. The Roswell, N.M. product is averaging 18.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.

Cowboys

The good vibes from putting SFA’s 20-game SLC winning streak on the ropes won’t last long if McNeese (6-6, 0-1) finds itself in an 0-2 hole after opening conference play with two home games.

As much as the Cowboys looked like a potential title contender on Saturday, that narrative will be turned on its head with a loss to HBU.

“We’re not looking at it as a must-win,” said guard Kevin Hardy. “But we’re hungry. We’re ready for the next opponent.”

The Huskies (5-6, 0-1) were outgunned 99-78 by Northwestern State in their conference opener. Only one of HBU’s wins is over a Division I opponent, a 58-55 victory over city rival Rice.

“We come in every night knowing we can beat any team we play,” said guard Keelan Garrett, who had a career-high 26 points against the Lumberjacks. “We’ve just got to play hard and finish down the stretch.”

(Rick Hickman/American Press)

Rick Hickman