LAKE CHARLES, La. – Taylor Smith had 21 points, a career-high 18 rebounds and six blocks as Stephen F. Austin rolled over McNeese State 59-39 Wednesday night, holding the Cowboys to nine first-half points.
The Lumberjacks (17-2, 8-1 Southland Conference), who swept the season series, also defeated the Cowboys 71-43 on Jan. 5 after leading 23-19 at halftime. This time, Stephen F. Austin capitalized on McNeese State's atrocious first-half shooting — 15.4 percent (4 of 26), including 0 of 6 from long range — to lead 26-9 at intermission.
The Cowboys (8-11, 2-7) closed to 36-27 with 9:41 left, but could get no closer. At 43-33, the Lumberjacks reeled off 10 straight points.
McNeese State's point total was its lowest since losing to Stephen F. Austin 64-39 on Jan. 19, 2008.
Desharick Guidry's nine points led the Cowboys, who were outshot 42.5 percent (17 of 40) to 24.5 percent (13 of 53) and outrebounded 46-22.
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