The Bayou Bandits return home from the Cayman Islands as the champions of the 2025 Cayman Island Classic, the first in program history. 

McNeese’s first game was a Nov. 23 matchup against Mid-Major top 25 team George Washington University. McNeese took the lead in the first half, scoring 47-39 against George Washington. George Washington outscored McNeese in the second half, but McNeese held on for the 92-86 win.

McNeese’s next matchup was the next day vs Murray State. McNeese led 40-17 into the half. The team slowed down in the second half, scoring 33 points but allowing Murray State to score 43. In the end, McNeese won 73-60. 

In the final game, McNeese trailed opponent Middle Tennessee State headed into the half with a score of 34-28. The Bayou Bandits scored 44 points in the second half while holding Middle Tennessee to 28, scoring a comeback victory 72-62. 

Senior Javohn Garcia took home the tournament MVP award, and junior Tyshawn Archie was named to the All-Tournament Team.  

Following the tournament, McNeese was ranked 16 in the Mid-Major polling and 44th in the nation in the NCAA’s NET Ranking system. 

The Cowboys started their conference schedule with a 71-67 loss to Incarnate Word. The Bayou Bandits’ Achilles’ heel was 3-point shots. McNeese scored only three 3-point shots compared to UIW’s 8 shots past the 3-point line.  

The Bayou Bandits take a 6-2 record into tonight’s match with the Northwestern State Demons at the Townsley Law Arena for the Bayou Bandits’ first conference home game this season.