The McNeese Cowboys basketball team represents McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States. The school's team currently competes in the Southland Conference.
They are led by head coach Bill Armstrong and play their home games at Townsley Law Arena. Currently members of the NCAA Division I, they were national champions of the NAIA in 1956. Since joining Division I in 1972-73, the Cowboys have appeared five times in the NCAA Tournament, most recently in 2026. McNeese won against Clemson in 2025 for their first NCAA tournament win in program history.
The Cowboys have appeared in five NCAA Division I Tournaments. Their combined record is 1âÂÂ5.
The Cowboys have appeared in one NCAA Division II Tournament. Their record is 0âÂÂ2.
The Cowboys have appeared in one NAIA Tournament. Their record is 5âÂÂ0. They were national champions in 1956, their only appearance in the tournament.
The Cowboys have appeared in three National Invitation Tournaments (NIT). Their combined record is 1âÂÂ3.
The Cowboys have appeared in one CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT). Their record is 0âÂÂ1.
Six former Cowboys have appeared in the National Basketball Association.