Kennedy, Lawson combine for 41 points in McNeese State’s win

LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) — Sha’markus Kennedy had 21 points and A.J. Lawson scored 20 as McNeese State defeated Northwestern State 85-76 on Saturday.

Kennedy hit 9 of 12 shots and grabbed seven rebounds. Lawson had seven assists and six rebounds for the Cowboys.

After the game was tied at 49 early in the second half, McNeese began to build a comfortable lead, going on a 14-6 run to lead by eight points with 8:24 remaining. With 2:19 to go, Chudier Bile hit a 3-pointer for Northwestern State and the Demons trailed 76-71. Lawson answered with a 3-pointer for the Cowboys and they added 4 of 5 free throws in the final minute.

Dru Kuxhausen had 19 points for McNeese State (7-9, 2-3 Southland Conference). Roydell Brown added 14 points and 15 rebounds.

Jairus Roberson had 17 points for the Demons (6-9, 3-3). Trenton Massner added 17 points. Bile had 15 points and 13 rebounds.

McNeese State faces Incarnate Word at home on Wednesday. Northwestern State plays at Nicholls State on Wednesday.