Credit this win to the schedule maker.

The Cowboys invited Champion Christian over for what amounted to little more than a basketball barbecue of the Tigers Monday night.

Using a stifling defense, McNeese State overpowered their guests inside the Legacy Center 110-46.

The victory was the third straight for the Pokes to start the season under new head coach Will Wade, who missed the third game in his suspension. A win tonight against LeTourneau will give McNeese its first 4-0 start since 1972.

Brandon Chambers improved to 2-0 while serving as head coach of the Cowboys. Fellow assistant Vernon Hamilton will get his second shot tonight as the two continue to trade off during Wade’s 10-game suspension.

“We are going to knock down a ton of milestones we go this year,” said Chambers. “That’s special.”

As for the Tigers, McNeese has won all five of the meetings between the two teams, all coming since 2021. They have won the last four by at least 50 points and scored over 100 in the last three.

“I’m really excited for the win, excited for the guys,” said Chambers. “From the opening tip to the final buzzer we established our style of play. It’s great to have a team game like this.”

The Cowboys showed their domination during a school-record 41-0 run that lasted 12:59 over the first and second halves. In actual time, Champion Christian went an estimated 44 minutes of actual time without scoring if you add in halftime.

Christian Shumate led McNeese with 15 points and 10 rebounds in just 17 minutes on the floor as all 11 Cowboys scored at least four points. Seven of them reached double digits with Cameron Jones adding 15 points and six rebounds to the mix.

Shumate had his only 8-0 during the first half as he took over the game during on stretch. His back-to-back dunks gave McNeese a 32-12 lead with 5:52 left in the first half.

The Pokes would hold a 50-12 lead at the break and then score the first 13 points of the second half to end all doubts of a Tiger comeback.

McNeese finished with 24 assists on 46 baskets and was 7-of-14 on 3-point shots.

Noah Brooks led Champion Christian with nine points as McNeese forced 21 turnovers with 15 steals.

“I’m happy with the way we shared the basketball,” said Chambers. “That was good to see.”