LSU Holds Off McNeese 63-60 in Exhibition Matchup
Lake Charles, Louisiana - If you like homecomings, friendships, and basketball, you got all of that and more Thursday night inside Townsley Law Arena. In Will Wade's return to his old stomping grounds, his Tigers outlasted McNeese 63-60.
A game that didn’t matter, but you wouldn’t think that, had you watched the two lifelong friends pace the sideline inside Townsley Law Arena Thursday Night. For one night, an exhibition that meant nothing, meant everything to some.
Will Wade made his return to Lake Charles, where he once helped resurrect the McNeese basketball program. Wade has always said McNeese would remain a part of his life and that he would help the Cowboys any chance he got.
On Thursday night, he followed through on that promise.
The exhibition centered around raising money for McNeese basketball, with every dollar made from the game going back to the Cowboys program.
I'd say he's keeping his promise.
“It felt like being back home,” said Wade. “I can’t say enough how appreciative I am of McNeese. Now I can cheer for McNeese every game of the season.”
For McNeese, the night also offered a first look at a new group of Cowboys. But one familiar face picked up where he left off last season.
Larry Johnson led all scorers with 22 points, although it wasn't his most efficient night. He finished 6-for-18 from the floor.
The Cowboys also got contributions from several newcomers. Big man Christian Nitu finished as the team's second-leading scorer, while Dellquan Warren showed what he could bring to the backcourt. The junior transfer from Mississippi State finished with eight assists and just one turnover.
The exhibition also ended McNeese's run of wins inside Townsley Law Arena, even if the result won't count on the Cowboys' record. That didn't make Bill Armstrong feel any better about it.
“I've never done this before, and I never wanna do it again. I'm going to work my ass off to make sure it doesn't,” Armstrong said.
Wade's LSU Tigers weren't at full strength, but several players took on heavy workloads. Five Tigers logged more than 34 minutes as LSU continues to deal with eligibility concerns in court.
Divine Ugochukwu led LSU with 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting.
“Our guys battled. That McNeese team is really, really good,” Wade said.
McNeese will have a pair of preseason scrimmages before opening the regular season on November 2 against another longtime friend of Armstrong, Andy Kennedy.
All-Time Favorite McNeese Cowboy Players
Gallery Credit: Chaston Tavares