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American Press
5 days ago
- Sport
- American Press
Cowboys finish hoops schedule
Finally, the Cowboys basketball schedule for the upcoming season is completed. A day after learning their Southland Conference schedule, McNeese State finished its 31-game regular season slate with a game at Rhode Island on December 3. The game will be the first meeting between the two teams. 'I knew it would be tough to get those buy games with the success the program has had over the last couple of years,' said Bill Armstrong, who takes over the Cowboys this season. 'It took a lot of work, but I like the schedule overall for us. It should help get us ready for the league.' The Cowboys will get somewhere between $50,000 and $60,000 to make the trip to Kingston, RI, just two days after they open Southland Conference play at Incarnate Word. 'I don't like playing nonconference games after we open conference play at all,' said Armstrong. 'It is just the way things turned out when the league expanded the conference schedule to 22 games.' The SLC released its schedule on Wednesday. McNeese will play two home games following the trip to Rhode Island against Northwestern State (Dec. 5) and East Texas A&M (Dec. 12) before hitting the road to Houston Christian on Dec. 15. They then head to Michigan on December 29 to close out 2025 and pick up somewhere around $90,000 to play the Wolverines. Two years ago, the Cowboys traveled to Michigan and announced their presence as an up-and-coming program with an 87-76 win, their first and only victory in 11 tries against a Big Ten school. Both teams have gone through significant changes in their roster since. As for the Rams, they finished last season 18-13, missing the NCAA Tournament by one game. The Rams lost to Fordham 88-71 for the Atlantic 10 championship. The Rams did not receive a bid to any postseason tournament. The game will be played in Kingston, RI, inside the 8,000-seat Ryan Center on the school's campus. That will give McNeese games on all three coasts as they will travel to Santa Clara to finish up a home-and-home series started last season in Lake Charles. The Cowboys will be looking for revenge in that game, as Santa Clara is the only team to beat McNeese on their home floor the last two years. They will also play at Corpus Christi, Texas, on the Gulf Coast, along with Rhode Island. The Rams will also be the second A-10 opponent on McNeese's schedule. They will take on George Washington, considered by some to be the favorite to win the Atlantic 10, to open their 3-game trip to the Cayman Islands on Sunday, November 23. They will finish up the Cayman Islands Classic with games against Murray State and Middle Tennessee the following two days. 'That is a very good tournament that will test us,' said Armstrong. 'We will also get some time together as a team, which helps build chemistry.' Getting the schedule finished was once again a grind, as teams have shied away from playing McNeese since the school has been winning. The Cowboys are 58-11 over the last two seasons, including winning for the first time in the NCAA Tournament in March. The Cowboys entered this week with two games to fill, but on Monday, it was learned they will play at Michigan for the second time in three years on December 29. McNeese will play just three home games outside the conference this season, opening with Champion Christian on Monday, November 3. They will also host the College of Biblical Studies (Nov. 10) and Louisiana-Lafayette (Nov. 14). 'It will be difficult playing all but three of our nonconference games away from home, but it is something we hope to use to our advantage,' said Armstrong. 'It should get us ready for the conference schedule. 'We have raised the bar here with our schedule in hopes of helping our seeding if we get to the NCAA Tournament again. That is the standard.' The last two years, McNeese has gone 1-2 in the NCAA, both times entering as a 12 seed. The Cowboys lost to Gonzaga in 2024 in the first round, but beat Clemson in the opener last before Purdue knocked them out.
Miami Herald
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU star signs to Spurs NBA summer league squad
HBCU standout Noah Farrakhan is officially headed to the NBA Summer League. The former Hampton University guard will suit up for the San Antonio Spurs' 2025 squad, becoming the third HBCU player to sign with an NBA team after this year's draft. Farrakhan joins former Howard forward Steve Settle III (Miami Heat) and Alabama State/South Carolina State guard TJ Madlock (Detroit Pistons). Together, they represent a growing wave of HBCU talent earning NBA opportunities. Farrakhan's Impact at Hampton After transferring from West Virginia, Farrakhan immediately made his presence felt during the 2024–25 season. The Newark, New Jersey native led the Pirates in scoring with 14.2 points per game while shooting 43 percent from the field. His efficiency ranked among the top 10 in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA). In 21 games, he reached double figures and helped guide Hampton to its first winning season since 2019. His consistent production played a key role in turning the team's momentum around. Awards and Breakout Performances Throughout the season, Farrakhan earned multiple honors, including four HBCU All-Stars Independent Player of the Week awards. He also stood out at the Cayman Islands Classic, averaging 21 points and 4.6 rebounds across three games. His performance helped Hampton notch a critical win over Duquesne. As a result, he was named to the tournament's All-Team and later secured a spot on the All-CAA Third Team. Making the Jump to the NBA Farrakhan's journey from HBCU basketball to the NBA stage reflects the growing respect for players from these programs. San Antonio adds a confident, battle-tested guard capable of contributing on both ends of the court. The Spurs' Summer League team opens play Saturday, July 5, in the California Classic against the Miami Heat. After that, Farrakhan and the team will head to Las Vegas for the NBA 2K26 Summer League from July 10–17. HBCU Pipeline to the Pros As more players like Farrakhan transition from HBCUs to the NBA, the talent pipeline continues to grow. These opportunities affirm that HBCU athletes can shine-and thrive-at the highest level. The post HBCU star signs to Spurs NBA summer league squad appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
American Press
10-06-2025
- Sport
- American Press
Cowboys learn tourney schedule
Last November, the Cowboys used a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands to help build the camaraderie that led to a historic season. McNeese State hopes to do that again this year. The Cowboys will be the headline act at the four-team field for the 2025 Cayman Islands Classic, which runs November 23-25. 'We're thrilled to participate in such a prestigious event, set in one of the most beautiful locations in the world,' said McNeese head coach Bill Armstrong. 'Competing against three programs with strong traditions of postseason success will be a significant early test for our team. Each matchup will present unique challenges and provide a valuable gauge of our current standing. 'It's a great opportunity to learn, grow, and identify the areas we need to improve as we prepare for conference play.' McNeese is coming off a 28-7 campaign that saw the Cowboys win their second straight Southland Conference championship, marking the first time in program history. The Cowboys also won their first NCAA Tournament game ever, upsetting Clemson 69-67 in the opening round of the Midwest Regional in Providence, Rhode Island. McNeese would lose its second-round match against Big Ten powerhouse Purdue. Armstrong takes over the Cowboys following Will Wade's departure for North Carolina State last March. He was able to retain four key members from last year's team, including starters Javohn Garcia and sharpshooter DJ Richards. Garcia was the Southland Conference's Player of the Year last season. With eight or nine new players on the roster, Armstrong will use this trip to continue building the Cowboys' team unity. 'It is important that we use trips like this to come together as a team,' Armstrong said. 'It will be great for an educational experience and a chance for us to bond as a group. 'We will also get a chance to play some good teams at a time when we are still trying to figure things out. I would rather play a tournament setting because there is a prize, but getting these three games against like competition will be big for us.' McNeese will be joined by George Washington, Murray State and Middle Tennessee State in the round-robin event. 'We're excited to welcome these outstanding programs to this year's Cayman Islands Classic,' said Joe Wright, owner and chief executive officer of Caymax Sports Ltd. 'They're in for a first-class experience — both on the court and in the beautiful Cayman Islands. It's going to be a special week of competition, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories for teams and fans alike.' The Cowboys will open the tourney, which is in its seventh year, against George Washington on Sunday, Nov. 23, at 4 p.m., Lake Charles time. Middle Tennessee State and Murray State will play the night's second game. The following night, the Cowboys will play Murray State in the late game, roughly 6:30 p.m., with Middle Tennessee and GW in the opener. McNeese will open the final night with a 4 p.m. game against Middle Tennessee in John Gray Gymnasium in George Town, Grand Cayman. Middle Tennessee State went 22–12 in 2024-25, advancing to the National Invitation Tournament under head coach Nick McDevitt. Chris Caputo returns for his third year as head coach at George Washington, which plays in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Ryan Miller enters his first year as head coach at the Missouri Valley Conference's Murray State, looking to improve on the team's 16–17 record from last year. The Cowboys are still looking to fill the final two games of their schedule in hopes of finding a pair of Power 4 opponents. Tournament Schedule (all times central) Sunday, Nov. 23 McNeese vs. George Washington, 4 p.m. Middle Tennessee vs. Murray State, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24 Middle Tennessee vs. George Washington, 4 p.m. McNeese vs. Murray State, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25 Murray State vs. George Washington, 4 p.m. McNeese vs. Middle Tennessee, 6:30 p.m.
Miami Herald
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Birmingham Region 3: Texas, Tennessee primed for rematch of SEC bout
The first-ever Southeastern Conference matchup between new league counterparts Tennessee and Texas went down to the wire. The two will meet again on Saturday in Birmingham Region 3, in the first NCAA Tournament pairing of the programs. No. 1 seed Texas (33-3) held off fifth-seeded Tennessee 80-76 when the two met during SEC play on Jan. 23. The Longhorns scored the last four points of a back-and-forth final period. "They have height. They're really athletic, and they get to the boards quite a bit," Texas forward Taylor Jones said was her key takeaway from the first meeting with the Lady Vols. "Making sure that we block them out and doing our job, getting to the rebounds, for the posts especially (will be key. "For the guards and all of us as a whole," Jones added, "breaking their press. They have a 40-minute in-your-face defense." Tennessee (24-9) uses its full-court pressure defense to generate 22.4 turnovers per game. The Lady Vols feed their Division I-best 87.5-point per game offense with a whopping 29 points off turnovers per game. When they last met, Texas committed only 12 turnovers that Tennessee converted into 12 points. "Possessions are going to be very important in this game," Lady Vols guard Jewel Spear said. So will rebounding, she added, against a Longhorns bunch that averages 40 boards per game. No. 2 TCU vs. No. 3 Notre Dame On Saturday, No. 2 seed TCU strives to continue a historic season for the program against a nine-time Final Four participant, third-seeded Notre Dame. Saturday's Sweet 16 game marks the first time TCU (33-3) has played this deep into the NCAA Tournament. The Horned Frogs advanced with lopsided wins over Fairleigh Dickinson (73-51) and Louisville (85-70) in the first two rounds. The Sweet 16 may be new for TCU as a program, but not for Hailey Van Lith, who had a 16-point, 10-assist double-double against her former Louisville team. Van Lith reached the Final Four with Louisville in 2022 and the Elite Eight last season at LSU. Van Lith and Sedona Prince lead the Horned Frogs with 17.7 and 17.5 points per game. Prince is also a transfer, coming from Oregon two years ago. "Our careers have kind of been revived in a sense," Prince said. "Go somewhere where you are happy, where you are loved, where you are seen, where you know you can grow in your game and be in an environment where you are ... given confidence." The new-look lineup clicked early, including in a 76-68 win over Notre Dame at the Cayman Islands Classic in November. Van Lith scored 21 points and Prince had 20 points, 20 rebounds and eight blocked shots in that matchup. Hannah Hidalgo had 27 points and nine rebounds in the loss, a performance consistent with her 24.1-point per game average for the season. She is the top scorer remaining in the NCAA Tournament. The Fighting Irish (28-5) lost a 14-point lead in that game, providing some fuel for Saturday's rematch. "It was tough to watch, but it's definitely a learning experience," Hidalgo said of revisiting the game film. "Film (session) is to learn and to see where you can improve and get better. So it definitely helps to see those tough moments because we're able to get back in the lab and kind of work on where we went wrong and make sure we correct those mistakes." Notre Dame blew past Stephen F. Austin (106-54) and Michigan (76-55) to advance to the second week of the tournament. --Field Level Media Field Level Media 2023 - All Rights Reserved
USA Today
29-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
How Notre Dame women's basketball tried to handle 6-7 Sedona Prince in NCAA Tournament
How Notre Dame women's basketball tried to handle 6-7 Sedona Prince in NCAA Tournament Show Caption Hide Caption What Birmingham Regional NCAA tournament players know about Alabama What do NCAA Women's Tournament basketball players at Birmingham Regional know about state of Alabama? Not much. That's what we found out. USA TODAY Sports Network BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – When Notre Dame and TCU faced each other in November, Horned Frogs 6-foot-7 center Sedona Prince tallied 20 points and 20 rebounds, which was the first performance of its kind for TCU since 2005. The Fighting Irish were without starting forward Maddy Westbeld due to a foot surgery she underwent in August. Freshman Kate Koval started while Westbeld healed. Westbeld returned for Notre Dame in January and, despite Saturday's 71-62 loss in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament at Legacy Arena, she was able to shut down Prince's rebound game, with the graduate student only notching six rebounds in the rematch. 'She's a great (post) player, so I had to be as physical as possible,' Westbeld said. 'I really tried to make her work for everything.' Prince scored 21 points to with four assists. Whether it was Westbeld or Liza Karlen, who was also out with an injury in the Cayman Islands Classic, the Notre Dame defense learned from the game and made sure that it did not allow a repeat of what happened last time the teams played. The Irish especially focused on guarding Prince in practices for this time around. 'Our development coach brought in two guys that were 6-foot-7 for us to play against,' Karlen said. 'But she has so much skill, so it's really hard to replicate that.' Coach Niele Ivey knew that she had to make adjustments. Lucky for her, the adjustment was the health status of Westbeld and Karlen. 'I had more size this time,' Ivey said. 'We wanted to limit her touches, but they did a good job of getting her the ball.' Westbeld and Prince saw foul trouble, with both being taken out late in the third quarter. The players returned in the beginning of the fourth quarter, but Westbeld quickly found her way off the court 31 seconds in. Despite hearing that it was her fourth foul over the speaker, she doesn't let the thought of fouling out enter her mind. 'When people are saying that you're in foul trouble, you get in a space where it's tough to stay present,' the senior said. 'I try to play it as aggressive and as clean as possible.' This loss marks the fourth straight Sweet 16 exit for the Fighting Irish, while TCU will continue its quest for a national title Monday at 6 p.m. ET.
