Getting to know McNeese State

NC State will host McNeese State this Thursday night in what will be their second to last non-conference game of the season. What do you need to know about the Cowboys before they ride into Raleigh?

1. McNeese State has not defended well this season…

Averaging 71.3 PPG isn’t terrible but they are allowing their opponents to score on average 85 points per game. Size is the main culprit as the Cowboys lack size and strength on the perimeter and interior. This has also allowed teams to shoot 47% from the field and 37% from three. In conclusion, the Cowboys are a minus 13.7 in scoring margin.

2. A lack of size has hindered their rebounding…

McNeese State’s negative rebounding margin of 12.1 is a big part of their lack of success. Stephen Ugochukwu leads the Cowboys in rebounds at 7.7 per game; however, he is only six feet and seven inches and weighs 220 pounds. As a team, they are only managing 33.4 RPG.

3. Senior Jamaya Burr leads the Cowboys in scoring at 11.7 PPG…

Burr is only 6 feet tall but plays hard and uses his quickness to create space. He scored 15 points against Purdue earlier this season and scored in a variety of ways, including from deep and inside the paint. On the season he has connected on 40% from three and averages 4.5 APG.

4. McNeese State is just 3-7 on the season but won their last game versus Tulane…

The Cowboys have played their share of tough games as they traveled to Purdue, Memphis, and SMU; however, they have also lost to NAIA Louisiana College thus far. It appears that McNeese State is in for a long year as they have been unable to defend or rebound.