Patrick Richard scored 22 points and Diego Kapelan 19 as McNeese State led from start to finish in defeating Central Arkansas 81-67 on Saturday.
Richard scored 15 of his points in the first half, when the Cowboys (14-8, 6-3 Southland Conference) scored the first eight points, led by as many as 20 points, 34-14, and took a 37-24 lead into halftime.
McNeese State shot 52.2 percent (12 of 23) in the first half to 30.4 percent (7 of 23) for the Bears (5-19, 1-10).
The Cowboys continued to shoot well in the second half, making 51.7 percent (15 of 29). Central Arkansas improved to 42.9 percent (12 of 28) but never got closer than 12 points.
P.J. Alawoya had 13 points and 10 rebounds, Preston David 12 points and Stephan Martin 10 points for McNeese State.
Imad Qahwash scored 16 points to lead Central Arkansas and Tadre Sheppard had 13.
