The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball team defeated the UL Monroe Warhawks 71-68 inside the Cajundome on Saturday night. The win gets the Cajuns back over .500 in Sun Belt play at 3-2.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The game began with the Warhawks taking advantage on the inside. The Cajuns struggled to rebound, and that allowed ULM to get a couple of easy looks. At the first media timeout, it was 8-2 in favor of the visitors.
The Cajuns worked their way back into it with some outside shooting. From down 12-4, Louisiana went up 17-15 thanks to a 13-3 run. London Fields and Kyndall Davis made threes to cap the run and give their team the lead.
The teams went back and forth throughout the rest of the first half. However, the Warhawks were able to grab an advantage in the late stages. A 9-2 rum ended by a Tyrese Watson three gave ULM the 35-30 halftime lead.
The Warhawks were able to extend their lead early in the second half, reaching double-digits with it. Once it got to 45-35, the Cajuns flipped the momentum. Kyran Ratliff and Brandon Hardy helped spark a 13-3 run, tying it at 48. Then, a Ratliff three gave the Cajuns a 51-50 lead.
From that point on, the game went back and forth. The lead continued to change hands. With the Cajuns clinging to a 67-66 lead late, ULM had a chance to take the advantage. However, their jumper missed.
Christian Wright made a couple of clutch free throws to extend the lead to three. Then, free throws were traded on each end. Wright delivered, and the Cajuns held on for the 71-68 win.
BIG NUMBER: 11
The Cajuns have been inconsistent from three this year. Making double-digit trifectas allowed them to stay in the game, and make the comeback.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Kentrell Garnett
The senior leader stepped up again. He had 15 points, five assists, and two rebounds to lead the way. His leadership on the defensive end showed as well.
UP NEXT: The Cajuns will travel to face Arkansas State on the road on Wednesday, January 16th. Tipoff is set for 7:00 PM.
