With the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns falling short on Saturday in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament semifinal, it seemed inevitable that they would face off with LSU in the NIT. The news became official on Sunday afternoon with the Cajuns taking a trip across the basin on Wednesday to take on the Tigers on Wednesday.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to continue to play and try to improve our basketball team,” head coach Bob Marlin said. “We’re excited to be in the NIT. We know the history of the tournament, and our fans remember the NIT and the great successes they had and the great trip to New York under coach (Bobby) Paschal.”
It will also be a homecoming for seniors Frank Bartley and Johnathan Stove, who are from the Baton Rouge area. Tipoff for the ballgame will be at 6 pm.
The tournament will see some experimental rules being used, including extending the three-point line out to the same distance used by FIBA for international play and going to four 10-minute quarters. These rules will help determine if a more difficult three-point shot will be effective for men’s college hoops.
-Clint Domingue