Copyright American Press
McNeese to play twice on CBS Sports More national attention is coming to the Bayou Bandits. Tuesday, the Southland Conference released its scheduled men’s games to be televised on the CBS Sports Network, and McNeese State will be front and center. The two-time defending league champs will be featured in two of the five SLC games carried on the network during the regular season. That is in addition to their one-time appearance on the linear ESPN network. If they were to reach the Southland title game for the third straight season, the Cowboys would be on national television five times before the NCAA Tournament. McNeese will kick off the new deal between the league and CBS Sports by hosting rival Lamar on Jan. 2 inside the Townsley Law Center. The Friday night game will tip off at 6 p.m. The two teams met in the SLC title game last season after having a very spirited battle at Lamar just a few days earlier. The Cowboys will also be featured on the network when they play at Nicholls on March 2 at 6:30 p.m. McNeese suffered its only Southland loss last season in Thibodaux. With one home game broadcast on CBSSN and possibly another on ESPN, McNeese could find itself playing four times on Joe Dumars Court this season, giving the program, school, and Lake Charles unprecedented exposure. The ESPN schedule is expected to be out later this week. Last year, the Cowboys appeared on national television a total of five times, including their two NCAA games. “The fact that McNeese will play on CBS Sports twice this year shows how far our athletic program has come in a relatively short amount of time,” said McNeese Athletic Director Heath Schroyer. “Showing up on national linear television is a huge opportunity; it not only showcases our athletic program but also enhances the university’s brand. “We are all one team at McNeese State. I’m thrilled and excited that CBS Sports is putting us on, and I can’t wait to watch.” This is a massive boost for the program, particularly in terms of recruiting. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to compete in two nationally televised games (on CBSSN),” said first-year head coach Bill Armstrong. “It’s a great chance for people outside our area to see our players and the talent we have here. It also provides an opportunity for those who may not be familiar with Townsley Law Arena to experience our beautiful facility and the incredible support of Poke Nation.” McNeese’s three games in the Cayman Islands at the end of November will be streamed on FloCollege Sports as well. Most of the rest of the Cowboys’ contests can be seen on ESPN+, including all other Southland contests. When the Cowboys play at Michigan on Dec. 29, that game will be seen on the Big Ten+ Network. The Cowboys will host an open exhibition this Sunday against Grambling at 3 p.m. The event is free to the public with doors opening 90 minutes before tipoff. They open the season on Nov. 3 at 6:30 p.m. against Champion Christian. SLC games on CBS Sports Network: All times central Friday, Jan. 2 – Lamar at McNeese, 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26 – Northwestern State at SFA, 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2 – UIW at Texas A&M–CC, 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23 – Nicholls at Lamar, 6 p.m.
