LAKE CHARLES, La. – Mississippi University for Women men's basketball lost a 92-23 exhibition decision at McNeese State University – the No. 22-ranked NCAA Division I mid-major program – as it sets its sights on Thursday's St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) opener. The NCAA Division III Owls (3-2) found themselves swamped in Louisiana by the D1 Cowboys (8-2), winners of three straight games.
 
The W trailed at the intermission, 47-9. With the final result not much in doubt early-on versus the nationally-ranked MSU squad, the Owls were able to tuck away the experience of playing up a couple of divisions on the big stage twice the past three days (also playing at Alabama State on Sunday). Head Coach Dean Burrows and his team will be able to use it heading into the program's first-ever league game on Thursday.
 
Against the Cowboys on Tuesday, one of the bright spots was senior Dariun Doss' continued emergence. Versus McNeese, Doss led all rebounders in the game. He matched his career-best by snaring 14 boards, 10 on the defensive end.
 
Tarik Islamovic had an Owls' team high of five points, to go along with his six rebounds. Tyson Smithey and Adin Johnson each booked four points.
 
Tip-off for The W's SLIAC opener at Principia College will be at 7:30 p.m. in Elsah, Ill.