The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns women’s basketball team ended their five-game winning streak on Tuesday, losing to South Alabama 46-43 inside the Cajundome. The loss means Louisiana will have to play in the second round of the Sun Belt Tournament, as they can no longer get the double bye.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The game began with both teams pushing on the offensive end. Brandi Williams and Tamera Johnson both had buckets early, giving the Cajuns a lead. However, the Jaguars knocked down a couple of three point shots to keep themselves close in the quarter. By the end of the period, South Alabama had pulled ahead with two free throws from Michiyah Simmons to make it 12-10.
The second quarter was a sluggish one on the offensive end. Louisiana could not find the bottom of the net, and South Alabama was not much better. The Jaguars did find a bit of success offensively, and with 1:38 left in the half, a three-point shot from Janelle Jones gave the Jaguars their biggest lead at 23-15. The Cajuns would only get two more points, meaning they went to the break down by 6 at 23-17.
The second half began with a quick 6-0 Jaguar run, which gave them their biggest lead of the game at 29-17. After the teams traded buckets, a three gave South Alabama a 13-point advantage at 32-17. However, Jaylyn James sparked a huge run at that point. She would score or assist on the next 11 straight points, and the Cajuns overall would put together a 16-0 run to end the third quarter. They led 35-32 after three.
After South Alabama made a three to tie things up at the start of the fourth, Louisiana put another run together, this time six straight points to make it 41-35. That run was matched on the other side, with the Jaguars evening up the score at 41. From there, both teams went back and forth until South Alabama took the lead with two free throws from Simmons. The Cajuns would not score again, falling 46-43.
BIG NUMBER: 29
Louisiana shot just 29% at the free throw line, making 2 of 7 attempts. That ended up being the difference in a close game down the stretch.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Miciyah Simmons
Simmons continued to surge late season. After scoring a career high 21 points in her last game, she had 17 in this one, leading the Jaguars past Louisiana. She also made all seven of her free throws.
UP NEXT: Louisiana will stay home to close out the regular season on Friday, March 1st against Troy at 5:00 PM.