LAKE CHARLES, La. – The University of the Incarnate Word men's basketball shot a season-low 32.3 percent from the floor as McNeese led by 18 at the half en route to an 85-62 win over the Cardinals Thursday evening.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Despite a strong performance from redshirt freshman forward Christian Peevy, UIW (5-6 overall, 0-1 SLC) shot just 28.1 percent from the floor (9-for-32), while McNeese (4-7, 1-0) went 42.9 percent from the floor and 50 percent from beyond the arc in the first 20 minutes.

McNeese spotted the Cardinals the first basket of the game, but used a 10-0 run to lead by eight. UIW trailed by as few as seven, 17-10, at the midway point of the first half, but the Cowboys outscored UIW, 23-14, in the final 7:20 to take a 44-26 lead at the break.

In the second half, the Cowboys led by as many as 21 early, but thanks to a three-point play by Peevy, the Cardinals cut the deficit to 13. But that was all the closer UIW could get, as McNeese used a 11-3 run to take control.

LEADERS

Peevy came off the bench to score a team-high 18 points, finishing two shy of his career high. Charles Brown III finished with 11 while Sam Burmeister scored 10. Shawn Johnson was the top rebounder with seven and led all players with three steals.

Quattarius Wilson led McNeese with 20 points and 10 rebounds.

UP NEXT

UIW plays at Nicholls on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

STAY TUNED

The Cardinals return to the McDermott Center to host Sam Houston on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 3 p.m.

For the most up-to-date information on Incarnate Word Athletics visit uiwcardinals.com. Be sure to follow Incarnate Word Athletics on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like Incarnate Word Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics.