The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball team fell 98-86 to the UAB Blazers in the 7th-place game of the Paradise Jam event in the US Virgin Islands. The Cajuns fell to 1-6 overall and went 0-3 in this event.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The game began with both teams trading baskets back and forth. Neither team took a lead of more than three points until UAB led 22-17 with 8:34 to go in the first half.
Even then, Louisiana closed the gap quickly. They took a lead of their own, getting it to four at 36-32. By the end of the first half, it was a two-point Cajuns lead at 44-42, and Mostapha El Moutaouakkil was in double figures to lead the way.
Louisiana would extend their lead early in the second half, getting it to eight at 58-50 after a Kyran Ratliff layup. The Blazers began to cut into the lead after that, chipping away for the next few minutes of game time.
The lead got back to eight at 67-59, but then UAB made their charge. Louisiana had it at 73-69 with eight minutes to go but went on a long scoring drought after that. A 12-0 Blazers run made it 81-73 in favor of UAB.
The Blazers continued the run and held on to beat Louisiana 81-73.
BIG NUMBER: 12
The 12-0 Blazers run is what ruined this game for the Cajuns. They had maintained the lead until that point but were unable to finish the game after that point.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Alejandro Vasquez
Vasquez had 25 to lead the Blazers. He made all seven free throw attempts and helped UAB secure this win to close out their Paradise Jam stay.
UP NEXT: Louisiana will next be in action on Saturday, November 30th when they play host to Nicholls at the Cajundome. Tipoff is set for 2:00 PM.
