Will Wade and the McNeese Cowboys traveled to the US Virgin Islands for the 2024 Paradise Jam tournament, where they battled Illinois State in the first round. McNeese outscored the Cardinals in the paint 32-16 on their way to a 76-68 win.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
It was a tightly contested game early on from the Virgin Islands as McNeese held just a 10-9 lead at the first media timeout. Through the next five minute stretch, it was more of the same as each team was only able to muster three points a piece for a 13-12 Cowboys lead with 11:38 left in the opening half.
After falling behind 18-15, DJ Richards scored eight straight points to put the Pokes ahead 23-18 as the sharpshooter nailed a pair of threes.
At the final media timeout of thr first half, McNeese made their lead double digits by wearing down Eastern Illinois defensively to create offense on the other end. The Cardinals did cut into McNeese’s lead slightly before the half as Will Wade’s squad led 43-36 at the break.
McNeese continued the offense to open the second half with threes from Christian Shumate and Javohn Garcia, but Illinois State hung in as the Cowboys led 54-45 at the first break.
The longest run of the game, both teams continued to find offensive success as the Cowboys couldn’t run away with this one. With 7:58 remaining, it was now a 64-55 game with 10 points from either side during the stretch.
Illinois State cut it to six late, but McNeese was able to rely on Sincere Parker, Richards, and others to bring them to a 76-68 victory in the first round of the Paradise Jam.
BIG NUMBER: +16
The Cowboys outscored Illinois State 32-16 in the paint, making it difficult to overcome the size advantage.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Javhon Garcia
Garcia finished with a team-high 16 points in the victory while adding in seven rebounds to lead the Pokes in that category as well.
UP NEXT: McNeese will advance to the next round of the Paradise Jam tournament where they will face Longwood Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
