McNeese Cowboys upset Clemson in NCAA Tournament

Photo courtesy of  Daniel Fritz, Used with Permission

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (March 30, 2025)  In a thrilling NCAA game, the No. 12 seed McNeese Cowboys stunned the No. 5 seed Clemson Tigers with a 69-67 victory, marking McNeese's first-ever win in NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament . ​

The Cowboys started strong, taking advantage of Clemson's in the first half; scoring only 13 points, their lowest in the many years. ​

McNeese's defense was relentless, causing Clemson to shoot just 5-of-24 from the field and commit 10 turnovers in the first half. ​

In the second half, Clemson attempted a comeback, narrowing the gap significantly. However, McNeese held firm, with key plays from Javohn Garcia and Christian Shumate. ​

Off the bench, Brandon Murray (shown above) led the Cowboys with 21 points, showcasing the team's depth and resilience.

This victory propels McNeese into the second round, where they will face the No. 4 seed Purdue Boilermakers, who recently secured a 75-63 win over High Point. ​

Houston Dynamo FC downs El Salvador 2-1 in friendly matchup

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 19, 2025) Houston Dynamo FC earned a 2-1 victory over the El Salvador National Team in a friendly match at Shell Energy Stadium on Wednesday evening. This was the first time Houston played against a national team, and they made the night memorable with a solid win.

El Salvador got off to a fast start, scoring in just the fifth minute, when Jairo Ferrurino curled a right-footed shot from outside the box to give his team an early lead. But Houston responded quickly. Just one minute later, midfielder Diego Gonzalez controlled the ball off his chest and fired a powerful volley into the top right corner of the net, tying the game at 1-1.

The game remained even until the 74th minute when Houston took the lead. Midfielder Nico Lodeiro sent a set-piece cross from near the right corner flag, which deflected off an El Salvador defender. The ball landed in front of defender Franco Escobar, who finished the play with a header to score the winning goal.

The match also featured several Dynamo debuts, including Felipe Andrade, Exon Arzú, Andy Batioja, Michael Halliday, Júnior Urso, and Gonzalez. Goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer made his first start for Houston as well.

The Dynamo will now shift their focus back to MLS play as they travel to face the Seattle Sounders on Saturday, March 22.

Houston Dynamo falls 2-1 to Real Salt Lake at Shell Energy Stadium

Photo by Houston Dynamo FC, Used with permission

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 15, 2025) Houston Dynamo FC came up short in a tough 2-1 loss against Real Salt Lake at Shell Energy Stadium. Despite a strong effort, the Dynamo couldn’t find a late equalizer.

Real Salt Lake struck early, scoring in the first minute when Emake Eneli set up Diego Goncalves for a quick goal. Houston responded in the 16th minute when Ezequiel Ponce scored his first goal of the season. Midfielder Jack McGlynn delivered a perfect free-kick to the back post, where Ponce’s strong header found the net.

Salt Lake regained the lead just before halftime. Diego Luna finished a cross from Dominik Marczuk with a header, making it 2-1.

The game saw a key moment in the 37th minute when Dynamo goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell left with an injury. Jimmy Maurer made his club debut as a replacement and later made a big save in the 53rd minute to keep Houston in the match.

Houston nearly took the lead earlier in the game, but Amine Bassi’s 20th-minute goal was overturned by VAR for offside. In the 88th minute, Ethan Bartlow had a close chance to tie the game, but his header was saved and hit the post.

The Dynamo will next face the El Salvador National Team in a friendly on March 19 before returning to league action against the Seattle Sounders on March 22.

Houston Dash fall in 2025 home opener vs. Washington Spirit

Photo credit: Houston Dash, Used with permission

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS ( March 14, 2025) The Houston Dash fought hard but couldn’t complete a comeback, falling 2-1 to the Washington Spirit in their home opener. This was the first game for new head coach Fabrice Gautrat, who took over the team in January.

Washington took an early lead in the 16th minute when Ashley Hatch forced a save from Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell (shown above). The ball bounced to Makenna Morris, who scored the first goal of the match. The Spirit doubled their lead in the 33rd minute after Chloe Ricketts hit the crossbar, and Hatch was there to score on the rebound.

The Dash kept pushing and found their goal in the second half. Midfielder Maggie Graham made her professional debut when she entered the game in the 60th minute. Just minutes later, she scored her first goal, finishing a play that started with a cross from Avery Patterson and a redirection from Ryan Gareis.

Houston had several chances to equalize, including a late shot from Yazmeen Ryan in stoppage time, but they couldn’t find the back of the net. Campbell made two saves, while defender Katie Lind returned to the field for the first time in over a year after maternity leave.

The Dash will now hit the road to face Chicago Stars FC next weekend before returning home on March 28 to host NJ/NY Gotham FC at Shell Energy Stadium.

Nicholls advances in SLC Tourney with 66-63 win over UTRGV

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La VIta Loca Photography, Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved 

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA  (March 10, 2025) The Nicholls Colonels women's basketball team (shown above) edged out the UT Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros with a 66-63 victory in the first round of the Southland Conference Basketball Championships.

The game was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. Nicholls built a 16-12 advantage midway through the first quarter, but UTRGV's defense responded, holding the Colonels scoreless for nearly five minutes to regain momentum.

In the second quarter, the physicality intensified as both teams battled for control. UTRGV's O'Keefe showcased her strength inside, contributing crucial points to keep the Vaqueros competitive.

As the game progressed, neither team could establish a decisive lead. The final minutes were marked by intense back-and-forth action, with both squads displaying resilience and determination. Ultimately, Nicholls managed to secure the win with a late-game surge, advancing to the next round of the tournament.

This victory sets up a matchup between Nicholls and the Incarnate Word Cardinals, who recently notched their program's first Southland Tournament win by defeating Southeastern Louisiana 71-67 in overtime.

Lady Demons advance to 2nd round of SLC Tourney with 66-63 win over TAMU-CC

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loco Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUSIANA (March 10, 2025) The Northwestern State Lady Demons secured a thrilling 66-63 victory over the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders in the first round of the Jersey Mike's Southland Conference Basketball Championships. This win marked Northwestern State's first tournament triumph since 2015, propelling them into the second round to face No. 4 seed Incarnate Word on Tuesday at 11 a.m. on ESPN+.

The Lady Demons were led by standout performances from their key players. Sharna Ayres (shown above) delivered an impressive 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds, shooting 6-of-18 from the field, including 6-of-11 from three-point range. Vernell Atamah contributed 18 points and six rebounds, while Mya Blake added 18 points and seven assists.

Northwestern State came out strong in the first quarter, establishing a 21-11 lead, thanks in part to Ayres' hot shooting, which included four first-half three-pointers. However, the Islanders tightened their defense in the second quarter, forcing 12 turnovers and narrowing the gap to a 26-24 halftime deficit.

In the second half, Blake took charge for the Lady Demons, scoring 12 of her 18 points after the break. Despite a late surge from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, which cut the deficit to one point in the final minute, clutch free throws from Atamah sealed the win for Northwestern State.

The Islanders were led by Paige Allen, who scored 19 points and grabbed six rebounds. Mireia Aguado added 12 points, and Nabaweeyah McGill contributed nine points and four rebounds

UIW upsets Southeastern Louisiana in OT in Southland Conference Tournament

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 9, 2025) In a thrilling overtime match at the Legacy Center in Lake Charles, No. 7 ranked University of the Incarnate Word  Cardinals secured an historic 71-

67 win over the number 6 ranked Southeastern Louisiana Lions in the Jersey Mike's Southland Conference Tournament's first round. This win marks UIW's first-ever triumph in the Southland Tournament.

The Cardinals were propelled by standout performances from guards Davion Bailey (No. 5, shown above) and Jalin Anderson, each contributing 20 points. Bailey showcased his shooting prowess by sinking six three-pointers, including two crucial ones in overtime that shifted the game's momentum. Anderson added seven assists to his 20-point tally, orchestrating the offense with precision.

Forward Dylan Hayman also played a pivotal role, adding 16 points and grabbing six rebounds. His consistent play provided stability on both ends of the court.

The game began with UIW dominating early, establishing a 29-11 lead. However, Southeastern Louisiana responded with resilience, eventually taking a four-point lead in the second half. The contest featured seven ties and 17 lead changes, highlighting the intensity and competitiveness of both teams.

For the Lions, Sam Hines Jr. delivered an impressive performance, leading all scorers with 27 points and securing eight rebounds. Jakevion Buckley and Jeremy Elyzee contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively, showcasing the team's depth.

With this victory, UIW improves to a 17-15 overall record and advances to face the No. 3 in the tournament's next round. The Cardinals aim to build on this historic win as they continue their pursuit of the conference championship.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi downs HCU Huskies 62-48 in SLC Tourney

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 9, 2025) The 2025 Jersey Mike's Southland Conference Basketball Tournament kicked off today at the Legacy Center in Lake Charles, Louisiana. In the opening game, the No. 5 seed Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders secured a decisive 62-48 victory over the No. 8 seed Houston Christian University Huskies.

The Islanders showcased a balanced offense, with multiple players contributing significantly to the scoreboard. Their defense was equally impressive, limiting the Huskies to under 50 points. This win propels the Islanders into the quarterfinals, where they will face the No. 4 seed Northwestern State Demons on Monday, March 10, at 5 p.m.

Northwestern State enters the tournament on a four-game winning streak, reflecting strong late-season form. Head Coach Rick Cabrera expressed confidence in his team's preparation and resilience, emphasizing their readiness for the challenges ahead.

The tournament's top seeds, McNeese State and Lamar University, hold the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, respectively. Both teams have earned double byes, advancing them directly to the semifinals. McNeese State, boasting a 25-6 overall record and a dominant 19-1 conference run, is led by standout guards Javohn Garcia, Sincere Parker, and DJ Richards Jr., all averaging over ten points per game.

Lamar University secured their No. 2 seed with a recent 65-53 victory over Nicholls, showcasing strong performances from players like Alexis Marmolejos and Ja'Sean Jackson.

The tournament continues with the second first-round game tonight at 7:30 p.m., featuring the No. 6 seed Southeastern Louisiana Lions against the No. 7 seed University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals. The winner will advance to face No. 3 seed Nicholls in the quarterfinals.

Fans can anticipate an exciting week of basketball as teams vie for the Southland Conference title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.