Where they had faltered earlier in the season, the Cowgirls rallied Saturday in Commerce, Texas.

Thanks to a big second half, McNeese State’s women’s basketball team came from behind to defeat East Texas A&M 64-55 in a Southland Conference matchup.

After struggling in the second half most of the season, and especially in the third quarter of games, the Cowgirls more than doubled up on the Lions over the final 20 minutes. Trailing 41-34 at the half, they took the lead with a 16-6 third.

McNeese outscored ETAM 30-14 in the second half, holding the Lions to just 15 percent shooting from the field..

“We were really confident at halftime, and we really locked in, especially on defense,” said McNeese head coach Lynn Kennedy. “We have been close, but we found a way today. The third quarter won it for us.”

In just her fifth game of the season and only third start, Paris Guillory led the way with a double-double. The sophomore transfer finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds after missing the first nine games with a knee injury.

“Paris means so much to us,” said Kennedy. “She is so competitive, and you can see how hard she wasn’t to win.”

Two other transfers, Kiayra Ellis and Tyrielle Williams, played big roles in the win. Ellis matched Guillory with 17 points, while Williams added 11 and six assists.

“We have been waiting for this,” said Kennedy. “I think we will see more as they play together. You can see how they work well, but we just haven’t been able to stay on the floor.”

Mireia Yespes pulled down 14 rebounds to go with her five points for McNeese.

“I think we are starting to come around,” said Kennedy. “We just need to keep working and getting used to each other.”

The Cowgirls improved to 6-8 overall and 1-2 in the Southland with the victory. That matches the number of wins they totaled last season.

“It was good to get this one,” said Kennedy. “I think we are just getting started. 

The Lions fell to 4-9, 1-3 with the loss. Jordyn Newsome led all scorers with 18 points for ETAM.

The Cowgirls will return on the road Thursday at Houston Christian before returning home a week from Saturday against Nicholls to begin a three-game homestand.