The McNeese State Cowboys are set to take on the North Texas Mean Green at the UNT Coliseum. This early season non-conference game pits the Southland against the American Athletic Conference. Both teams enter the contest with a 1-0 record for the 2027 season.
McNeese State is coming off a strong win against UAB, with standout performances from Larry Johnson and Jaylon Dean-Vines. Johnson tallied 31 points and contributed significantly in both rebounds and assists. The Cowboys' offense was efficient, shooting over 55% from the field in their season opener.
North Texas also opened their season with an impressive victory, defeating Southwestern Christian by a wide margin. Aeneas Alexander and Amar Amkou led the scoring for the Mean Green, with Alexander grabbing nine rebounds. The team's shooting accuracy was notable, hitting 57% of their shots in the game.
North Texas vs McNeese State At a Glance
- Matchup: McNeese State Cowboys vs North Texas Mean Green
- Date & Time: Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET
- Venue: UNT Coliseum, Denton TX
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Game Odds: McNeese State -1.5, North Texas +1.5
- Over/Under: 142.5
North Texas Mean Green: A Look into the Season's Early Momentum
Offensive Strengths
North Texas Mean Green started the season with a high-scoring game, tallying 122 points. Their offensive stats show a strong ability to score with 122.0 points per game. They rank seventh in the nation for points per game, making them a team to watch offensively.
The team averages 80.7 possessions per game, ranked 43rd nationally. This suggests a fast-paced style of play, contributing to their scoring output. Their effective field goal percentage stands at 63.6, placing them 51st in the country.
Rebounding and Shooting
Rebounding is a key component for the Mean Green, averaging 61.0 rebounds per game. This ranks them ninth nationally, showing their strength on the boards. The team's field goal percentage is 57.1, a strong indicator of their shooting efficiency.
From beyond the arc, they make 10.0 three-pointers per game, with a high percentage of 47.6. This ranks them 27th in three-point shooting accuracy, highlighting their outside shooting capabilities.
Key Players
Aeneas Alexander led the team in scoring during their opening game with 22 points. His performance included 9 rebounds and solid shooting. Amar Amkou also contributed significantly with 16 points and 9 rebounds.
Cash Chavis and Je'Shawn Stevenson added depth to the guard position. They both have shown the ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. Cole Franklin and Marcus Zelee round out a versatile backcourt for North Texas.
Defensive Challenges
Defensively, the team averages 16.0 steals per game, which ranks low nationally. They will need to improve in this area to maintain their competitive edge. Block numbers are also an area for growth, with 7.0 blocks per game.
Despite these challenges, North Texas manages turnovers well, averaging just 11.0 per game. This discipline helps them maintain control and prevent easy scoring opportunities for opponents.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 5: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 10: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
McNeese State Cowboys Ready to Continue Their Winning Streak
Offensive Strength
The McNeese State Cowboys are averaging 99.0 points per game, positioning them as a strong offensive team. With 69.0 field goal attempts per game, they have shown a willingness to take shots. Their 55.1% field goal percentage ranks them among the top teams.
From beyond the arc, they make 12.0 three-pointers per game. They maintain a 44.4% shooting accuracy from this range. These numbers indicate that the Cowboys have a balanced inside-outside offensive game.
Key Players to Watch
Larry Johnson stands out with an average of 31.0 points per game. His shooting accuracy at 61.9% makes him a vital part of the Cowboys' offense. Jaylon Dean-Vines also contributes with 17.0 points per game and a field goal percentage of 75.0%.
Elijah Moore has been effective from three-point range, making 5.0 threes per game. Christian Nitu and Alier Maluk are key figures in the paint, offering rebounds and defensive presence.
Defensive Challenges
Defensively, the Cowboys average 10.0 steals per game, which indicates aggressive play on defense. However, they commit 21.0 fouls per game. Their ability to limit turnovers is evident as they only average 8.0 per game.
Their block rate is low at 8.0 per game. This might be a concern against teams with strong inside games. Improving these areas could further enhance their defensive capabilities.
Recent Performance
In their recent game against UAB Blazers, the Cowboys won 99-78. Larry Johnson led with 31 points, while Jaylon Dean-Vines added 17 points. Their shooting accuracy played a significant role in this victory.
The game demonstrated their offensive strengths and areas of improvement on defense. Continuing this form could lead to more victories.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 5: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 10: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 5: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 10: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 5: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
North Texas vs McNeese State Prediction: North Texas +1.5
North Texas has shown a strong offensive game, scoring 122 points per game. Their efficiency with a 57.1% field goal percentage makes them a tough competitor. Playing at home could give them an additional boost.
McNeese State averages 99 points per game with a slower pace, having only 68.1 possessions per game. Despite their efficiency, their defense allows many opportunities for opponents. This could be a challenge against North Texas's high-scoring capabilities.
The last head-to-head game at UNT Coliseum saw North Texas secure a significant win. Considering this history and their current form, North Texas has a favorable position. The Mean Green can leverage their momentum and home advantage.
Choosing North Texas with a spread of +1.5 looks promising. They have the tools to outpace McNeese State and cover the spread.
- North Texas vs McNeese State Prediction: North Texas +1.5
- North Texas vs McNeese State Score: North Texas 78 - McNeese State 75
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