Sometimes the best way to get off to a good start is in the scheduling.

For the second time in four days, the Cowgirls invited a non-Division I team over for a game inside the Legacy Center.

And for the second time in four days, they pounded their overmatched guests.

Thursday night it was The College of Biblical Studies who played the role of sacrificial lambs, as the McNeese State women’s basketball team routed the school from Houston 105-35 in the opener of a doubleheader with the men.

The Cowgirls wanted to get off to a better start than in their opener, when they trounced Southeastern Baptist 99-19. They did just that.

Thanks to a 33-1 run over the first and second quarters, McNeese led 77-13. That’s the most points in a half in program history. Alva Mofalk’s baseline jumper with 3:27 remaining put the Cowgirls over the century mark.

“Monday we were a little nervous, tonight we were locked in,” said forward Kiayra Ellis. 

All 12 Cowgirls who dressed scored in the game, something they did the other day as well.

“We were much more prepared tonight,” said McNeese head coach Lynn Kennedy. “That’s what we wanted to see. We wanted to make shots and be locked in on defense.

“The first half was everything we wanted. In the second half, we played a lot of people.”

McNeese’s defense forced 40 turnovers, including a record 28 steals. Freshman Lyla Kahrimanovic and sophomore Azjah Reeves each had six steals to lead the Cowgirls.

“That is one of the areas we wanted to improve on,” said Kennedy. We got the tips and the steals tonight.”

McNeese also shot the ball better. The Cowgirls made 12 threes, nine in the first half, and finished 40 of 79 from the floor.

Reeves led the way with 15 points while Julia Puente added 13 to lead McNeese. Mireia Yespes, Mofalk and Kahrimanovic all finished with 12.

Alyssa Lowe and Royjeannae Graves each had eight points to top the Lady Ambassadors.

The Cowgirls will finish off their three-game opening homestand with a game Sunday against North American University. 

“We will use some more combinations,” said Kennedy. “I would like us to be better down low at finishing shots and cut down on some of the turnovers.”

Tip-off Sunday is at 1 p.m.