Kevin Hardy likes the challenge.

“You get to find out how you stack up against a good team,” the McNeese State senior said.

The Cowboys get their chance to find out where they are tonight when they open the new basketball season at Baylor in Waco, Texas.

“These games are fun for us,” Hardy said. “We love these games. We love to showcase our talents on the highest of levels.”

Last year the Cowboys didn’t fare so well against the big schools. They played a tough schedule early and stumbled to a 2-10 record.

That included opening against Michigan State, then the top-ranked team in the nation. Hardy said the losses hurt, but the team learned.

“We take a lot from games like that and Baylor,” the 6-foot-2 guard said. “A lot of us got to play on the highest of levels and that helps. We know what to expect this time.”

Senior center Desharick Guidry missed some early games last year with academic issues. He is happy to get to play against a big-name team this year.

“This will be a challenge, a real test,” Guidry said. “You want to play against the best and find out where you stand.”

After finishing 11-20 last season, the Cowboys are hoping with 16 home dates this season they will stand a lot taller at season’s end. They will play seven times at Burton Coliseum before Southland play begins.

“It will be great to play in front of our fans,” Guidry said.

The McNeese State women’s team will debut a crop of newcomers when the Cowgirls host Division III Louisiana College at 7 p.m. today in Burton Coliseum.

It will be the season opener for both teams and the first game for a freshmen class that has McNeese head coach Brooks Donald Williams excited.

“I expect several (of the freshmen) to help us,” Donald Williams said. “I think we’re really deep. Each day is kind of a different day.”(Rick Hickman/American Press)

Rick Hickman