McNeese State’s momentum didn’t flinch Monday. The Cowboys took control early, absorbed UTRGV’s second-half surge, and finished off a 75-68 win on February 24, 2026, pushing their record to 24-5 and extending a five-game winning streak.

Game flow: McNeese State’s halftime edge held up

The separation started before the break. McNeese State carried a 34-22 lead into halftime, setting the tone with a cleaner first 20 minutes and forcing UTRGV to play from behind.

UTRGV responded after intermission, scoring 46 in the second half to make it a game. But McNeese State had enough counterpunch, posting 41 after halftime and winning the second half by five to keep the margin from collapsing.

Turning point: UTRGV’s push, McNeese State’s answer

UTRGV’s best stretch came in the second half, when the Vaqueros finally found consistent offense and cut into the deficit. The problem: every time the game threatened to tilt, McNeese State steadied it. The Cowboys didn’t need a perfect close — they just needed enough stops and enough made plays to keep the lead intact, and they delivered.

What it means going forward

For McNeese State, this was another reminder of why a 24-5 profile is built to travel: even when the opponent flips the script after halftime, the Cowboys can win the math of the game by banking an early cushion and managing the finish.

For UTRGV, now 15-12, the takeaway is more complicated. The Vaqueros showed they can generate offense in a hurry — 46 points after halftime proved that — but the 12-point hole at the break left too little room for error in the closing minutes.

Final score

McNeese State 75, UTRGV 68

Halftime

McNeese State 34, UTRGV 22

Second half

McNeese State 41, UTRGV 46