Preview: Houston Christian Huskies at McNeese State Cowboys LAKE CHARLES, La. (Interstat) — A surging McNeese State squad will look to continue its dominant season when it hosts struggling Houston Christian in a Southland Conference men’s basketball game Monday at Burton Coliseum. The Cowboys (19-5, 8-2) enter as one of the league’s top teams, having won seven of their last eight games. Their most recent outing was an 81-64 victory over Incarnate Word on Saturday, led by 17 points from guard Tyshawn Archie. Archie has been a consistent force, averaging 15.2 points over his last six contests. McNeese State previously defeated Houston Christian 78-68 on Dec. 15 in the teams’ first meeting this season. The visiting Huskies (8-16, 4-7) are mired in a three-game losing streak, most recently falling 55-47 at Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday. Houston Christian has struggled offensively during the skid, failing to reach 60 points in two of the losses. A bright spot for the Huskies has been forward Mambourou Mara, who scored 12 points with four rebounds and two blocks in the loss to Southeastern Louisiana. Mara has provided defensive presence, recording multiple blocks in four of his last eight games. The matchup pits one of the conference’s best against one of its most challenged. McNeese State boasts a potent offense and a stout home record, while Houston Christian has lost nine of its last 12 games and will need a significant defensive effort to slow the Cowboys’ attack. Tipoff is set for Monday night. Following this game, McNeese State will hit the road to face Texas A&M-Commerce on Saturday, while Houston Christian returns home to host New Orleans on Feb. 14.