THIBODAUX, La. -- Kevin Hardy made the game-winning dunk Saturday and McNeese State repelled Houston Baptist's comeback charge to survive 70-68.

With 26 seconds left and the game tied 68-68, McNeese State (6-12, 4-2 Southland Conference) had the opportunity to run the clock down for a final shot.

The Cowboys spread the floor for Hardy who freed himself with a crossover dribble, drove through the center of the lane and elevated above three converging HBU defenders for the two-handed flush with 7.2 seconds left.

Hardy finished with 15 points and Ledrick Eackles led the Cowboys with 20.

HBU (4-14, 1-5) used an 8-0 run to take its first lead of the game at 66-64, and tied the game at 68 prior to McNeese State's final possession. After Hardy's dunk, Rob Lewis missed a 3-point attempt for HBU as time expired.

Caleb Crayton led the Huskies with 18 points and Cody Joyce added 15.