Cowgirls add to record collection
Published 4:51 pm Saturday, February 28, 2026
Alexander, Sibley lead McNeese
The Cowgirls made more history on Saturday afternoon, as they continue to rewrite the record books.
McNeese finished the road portion of its schedule by dismantling struggling New Orleans, 73-49, inside Lakefront Arena.
With the victory, the Cowgirls extended their program-record winning streak to 19 straight games, the fourth-longest active in the nation. They also improved to 26-4 overall, equalling their season record for wins.
The Southland Conference regular-season champs also moved to 20-1 in the league. They became the first women’s team in Southland history to win 20 games.
Last place UNO fell to 3-26, 3-17.
“We are happy to have McNeese be relevant again in women’s basketball,” said McNeese head coach Ayla Guzzardo. “Twenty and one is hard to do in any conference. The top of our conference is really tough.
“The records are nice, but we are still looking to do more. This was good, but there is always room for improvement.”
Lexi Alexander had her best game as a Cowgirl to lead the way. The senior transfer from Southeastern finished with a season-high 22 points and nine rebounds. She also had four steals and a block.
Alexander was 10-for-17 from the field in 26 minutes as she returned to the starting line this week.
“She (Alexander) is comfortable in any role we put her in,” said Guzzardo. “Whatever it is we need from her, that’s what she gives up.”
Ty Sibley added 16 points, five rebounds, and six assists on 8-for-10 shooting. Avari Berry added 10. Freshman Lauren Banks had a career-high 20 points and nine rebounds to lead the Privateers.
“Ty has been coming on strong,” said Guzzardo. “She is going to be so much better in the future.”
McNeese forced 34 turnovers, the most this season against a Division 1 opponent. The Cowgirls scored 31 points off those UNO miscues.
There was no slow start this time for the Cowgirls, who used a 14-2 run to lead 14-4 six minutes into the game. McNeese led 20-9 after the first quarter.
They increased the lead to 45-19 at the half, forcing 23 turnovers over the first 20 minutes. Alexander scored six points in the first four minutes of the second half as McNeese increased its lead to 53-23.
That margin would grow to 32 before the Cowgirls took their feet off the gas. The lead was 61-38 heading into the fourth quarter.
McNeese will finish the regular season at home Monday against Stephen F. Austin, with tipoff set for 6:30 p.m. in Townsley Law Arena. The Cowgirls won the first meeting, 70-64 in overtime, a month ago at SFA.
Dakota Howard finished with 20 points and 19 rebounds to lead McNeese in that game.
SFA (22-8, 16-5) is tied with Lamar for second in the SLC. The first and second-place teams earn double byes in the league tournament.
