Battle of the Border (Lamar–McNeese State)
The Battle of the Border is the name of the athletics rivalry between the Cardinals and Lady Cardinals of Lamar University and Cowboys and Cowgirls of McNeese State University. Originally in football, the rivalry now covers all sports. In 2009, the rivalry was expanded to include "...head-to-head and SLC <nowiki>[</nowiki>Southland Conference<nowiki>]</nowiki> Championship competition in 14 different sports...". The competition is a joint agreement with the two universities and sponsor, Verizon Wireless Background. Both universities are public universities in their respective states. Lamar University, located in  Beaumont, Texas, is part of the Texas State University System, and McNeese State University, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, is part of the University of Louisiana System. Lamar and McNeese are about 60 miles apart, accessible via Interstate 10. Football. After the 1989 season, Lamar shut down its football program, before resurrecting it for the 2010 season. The Lamar–McNeese State rivalry resumed in 2010. Game results. As of the 2019 season, McNeese State holds a 27–10–1 edge in the all-time series in 38 games. Men's basketball. As of the end of the 2020–21 season, Lamar has a  61–49 lead in men's basketball games against McNeese State. Women's basketball. As of the end of the 2020–21 season, McNeese has a 44–36 series lead in women's basketball over Lamar. Baseball. As of the end of the 2021 season, Lamar has a 122–83–2 lead over McNeese State. Softball. As of the end of the 2021 season, McNeese State has a 31–7 lead over Lamar