McNeese State's Shahada Wells tries to score in the lane while guarded by Nicholls State's Byron Ireland and Jamal West Jr. during the Southland Conference championship game on Wednesday at the Legacy Center. (Rodrick Anderson / American Press)

McNeese State's Shahada Wells guards Nicholls State's Micah Thomas during the Southland Conference championship game on Wednesday at the Legacy Center. (Rodrick Anderson / American Press)

McNeese State's Mike Saunders Jr. tries to block the shot of Nicholls State's Diante Smith during the Southland Conference championship game on Wednesday at the Legacy Center. (Rodrick Anderson / American Press)

Will Wade and the Cowboys return home Tuesday night to play Santa Clara. (Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archives)

McNeese State's Christian Shumate tries to score in the paint while guarded by Nicholls State's Mekhi Collins during the Southland Conference championship game on Wednesday at the Legacy Center. (Rodrick Anderson / American Press)

McNeese State's Christian Shumate scores in the lane during the Southland Conference championship game on Wednesday at the Legacy Center. (Rodrick Anderson / American Press)

McNeese State's Christian Shumate goes for the block while Nicholls State's Byron Ireland takes a shot in the lane during the Southland Conference championship game on Wednesday at the Legacy Center. (Rodrick Anderson / American Press)