Preview: McNeese State Cowboys at Texas A&M-Commerce Lions COMMERCE, Texas (Interstat) — A surging McNeese State team looks to continue its dominant season when it visits Texas A&M-Commerce in a Southland Conference men’s basketball game Saturday. The Cowboys (20-5) enter the Valentine’s Day matchup at the Texas A&M-Commerce Field House riding a wave of success, having won eight of their last nine games. Their only loss in that stretch was a 67-60 road defeat against Stephen F. Austin on Feb. 2. McNeese State most recently held off Houston Christian 73-69 on Monday. Conversely, the Lions (10-16) have struggled for consistency, splitting their last four contests. They are coming off a narrow 74-70 road loss to Stephen F. Austin on Monday. The teams met earlier this season, with McNeese State delivering a decisive 102-66 victory over Texas A&M-Commerce in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Dec. 12, 2025. A key player for the Cowboys is guard Javohn Garcia. He is coming off an 18-point, 4-assist performance in the win over Houston Christian and has scored in double figures in three of his last eight outings. The Lions will counter with guard Gianni Hunt, who has been a bright spot in their season. Hunt is averaging 20.3 points over his last three games, including a 28-point effort in the loss to Stephen F. Austin. His playmaking remains vital, as he has recorded at least four assists in six of his last eight games. McNeese State’s potent offense, which has scored 80 or more points in four of its last nine games, will test a Texas A&M-Commerce defense that has allowed an average of 74.3 points per game this season. The Lions will need a significant defensive improvement and another high-output night from Hunt to challenge the conference frontrunner on its home floor. Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.