The McNeese women’s basketball team ended its record-setting season on Mar. 22 with a 56-41 loss to San Diego State in the second round of the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament. The game took place at San Diego State, where the Cowgirls, who were the 2026 regular season champions, finished their year with a 29-6 record. San Diego State improved to 27-5 and will move on to face Kansas in the quarterfinals.
This matchup was significant as it marked the conclusion of a strong season for McNeese, which had set new records and achieved notable success throughout the year. Despite their efforts, they struggled offensively during this game.
Freshman Dakota Howard led McNeese in scoring with a game-high 16 points and was the only Cowgirl to reach double figures. Sophomore Tyreona Sibley contributed by leading her team with 10 rebounds, six of which were defensive. Senior Arianna Patton scored four points; her first point of the night marked her 1,000th career point.
McNeese faced challenges shooting from the field, ending at just 27.4 percent (17 of 62), though they performed well from the free throw line at 85.7 percent (6 for 7). In contrast, San Diego State shot 40 percent (18 of 45) overall and made eight three-pointers out of twenty-four attempts. The Aztecs had two players score in double digits: Bailey Barnhard with eleven points and Naomie Panganiban with ten.
Throughout each quarter, McNeese found it difficult to keep pace offensively. They started slowly in the first quarter and faced several scoring droughts during both halves. By halftime, San Diego State led by nine points after outscoring McNeese in the second quarter. Although there were moments when McNeese narrowed the gap—such as Payton’s milestone basket early in the third quarter—the Aztecs maintained control until securing their victory.
As McNeese concludes its season, attention turns to next year and building upon this year’s achievements.
