LAKE CHARLES, La. -- James Harvey was 5 of 7 from beyond the arc for a career-high 23 points as McNeese State picked up its first conference win, upsetting Sam Houston State 72-68 on Saturday.

Harvey scored 14 in the second half as McNeese State (3-11, 1/3 Southland) held on to give Sam Houston State (9-9, 4-1) its first conference loss.

Tevin Jackson was 6 of 10 from the floor for 17 points and Craig McFerrin had 11 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Cowboys, whose last victory was a 77-72 win over NAIA LSU-Alexandria on December 16.

Aurimas Majauskas led Sam Houston State with 24 points and Jovante' Spivey added 10.

McNeese State led until Majauskas scored six straight points to give the Bearkats a 50-49 lead midway in the second half. Harvey answered with two 3-pointers to retake the lead and the Cowboys held on for the win.