The McNeese State Cowboys and the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders meet Tuesday in Southland Tournament college basketball action from the Legacy Center. McNeese State is 11-22 overall this year. The Cowboys beat Nicholls State in tournament activity on Monday. As for Texas A&M-CC, they’re sitting at 21-10 on the year after a win over Texas A&M-Commerce last Wednesday. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
McNeese State Cowboys
McNeese State’s first 24 outings of the year they posted a rough 5-19 record. The Cowboys hit a 4-3 run to finish off the regular season however (beating Southeastern Louisiana, New Orleans (twice) and Incarnate Word) then took out Texas A&M-Commerce on Sunday.
In Monday’s tournament game versus Nicholls State, McNeese State was up 41-32 going into the second half. The Cowboys were outscored 39-36 from there but held on for the 77-71 win. Christian Shumate doubled up in the victory with 22 points and 14 rebounds.
Texas A&M-CC Islanders
Over on the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi side, they hit a 15-9 pace over their first 24 outings of the year. The Islanders went 6-1 to finish off the season, beating Houston Christian, Lamar, McNeese State, Nicholls, Northwestern State and Texas A&M-Commerce.
In the rematch versus Texas A&M-Commerce last Wednesday, the Islanders scored 39 points in the first half, 39 in the second and 15 in overtime for a tense 93-88 victory. Leading the team was Terrion Murdix with 27 points and Isaac Mushila doubled on 21 points and 17 boards.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’ll probably stay with the Islanders here. Texas A&M-CC is a nice 10-1 over their last 11 games, with a lone loss to Texas A&M-Commerce back on February 23. Texas A&M-CC has been on a nice offensive run, scoring 77 or more points in five straight games. These teams have seen each other twice before this season, with Texas A&M-CC winning both installments. The Islanders won 83-72 at home on January 28 and 77-54 on February 18 at the Legacy Center. I think the Cowboys will get closer this time but I still like the Islanders on the cover.