The McNeese Cowboys will kick off their 2026-27 basketball season against UAB on November 2 during the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon in Rock Hill, South Carolina. This game highlights the Cowboys' ambitions as they defend their Southland Conference championship title, and it marks a personal moment for head coach Bill Armstrong, a UAB alum and former graduate assistant. The Field of 68 event revives the 24-hour marathon format, featuring eight games including matchups between established mid-major programs. McNeese hopes to showcase their growth on a national platform against a strong opponent with historical postseason success.

By the Numbers
  • 11 of the 16 participating teams won at least 20 games last season.
  • 5 teams from the marathon reached the NCAA tournament last year.
State of Play
  • McNeese is one of four top mid-major programs heading into the season.
  • The Southland Conference schedule is set to be released soon, impacting McNeese's upcoming matchups.
What's Next

Expect excitement as the college basketball season kicks off with this marathon format, which aims to feature competitive matchups and spotlight mid-major teams. McNeese will be looking to establish its prominence early in the season against UAB as they prepare for their conference schedule.

Bottom Line

This season opener against UAB not only serves as a significant moment for McNeese but also reinforces the need for competitive alignments in college basketball schedules, capturing the essence of mid-major teams striving for recognition and success on a national stage.