McNeese Cowboys and Lamar Cardinals Set for Southland Championship Clash

LAKE CHARLES, La. — The McNeese Cowboys and Lamar Cardinals are preparing to face off in the 2025 Southland Conference Championship Game on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at The Legacy Center. The game is set to tip off at 5:00 PM ET.

McNeese, the No. 1 seed with a record of 26-6, enters the championship after an impressive 83-64 semifinal victory against Northwestern State. They have been on a roll, winning their last 10 games, making them a formidable opponent for the second-seeded Cardinals, who hold a 20-12 record.

In the previous round, Lamar secured their spot in the finals with a narrow 58-55 win over Nicholls. The two teams have met twice this season, with McNeese winning both contests by solid margins, which adds to the tension and anticipation of this championship bout.

The Cowboys come into the game as 13.5-point favorites, according to the latest odds from SportsLine, with an over/under set at 133.5 total points. These figures reveal not only McNeese’s strong season performance but also the expectations for a high-scoring game, given the offensive capabilities of both teams.

Leading the charge for McNeese is senior guard L. Garcia, who averages 12.6 points, along with strong peripherals of 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. In the semifinal, he showcased his skills with 24 points and four assists. Additionally, junior guard J. Parker, known for his aggressive play style, is averaging 12.4 points per game, having previously scored 25 points in a matchup against Lamar.

On Lamar’s side, junior guard A. Marmolejos stands out with a team-high average of 14.4 points per game, complemented by strong shooting accuracy from beyond the arc. He has scored in double digits in his last three contests, including a key performance against Nicholls where he posted 17 points.

The predictive model from Dimers estimates McNeese has a 91% chance to win this matchup, reflecting both their recent form and successful track record against Lamar this season. As both teams prepare for the critical showdown, fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling clash.

“Our model has simulated this game over 10,000 times,” said Nick Slade, Chief Content Officer at Dimers. “With the latest insights and numerous variables considered, McNeese is projected to emerge victorious.”

As the countdown to tip-off begins, both teams are looking to secure the coveted Southland Conference title, setting the stage for a competitive and exhilarating championship game.