The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns women’s basketball team fell to the Arkansas State Red Wolves 62-49 on Thursday night inside the Cajundome. The loss is the Cajuns’ third straight and moves them to 4-4 in Sun Belt play.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The game began with sluggish offense on both ends. Each team was forced into turnovers as well, and the quarter ended with an 8-8 tie.
In the second quarter, the Red Wolves started to heat up from the outside. They began the quarter with a 13-3 run, giving them a 21-11 lead. The Cajuns cut it down to six briefly, but five straight at the end of the period gave Arkansas State a 29-18 lead at the half.
The third quarter was a point for a turnaround when these two teams matched up in Jonesboro last week. This time, however, Arkansas State only strengthened their lead. The Cajuns continued to struggle offensively, and the Red Wolves made the most of their opportunities at the free throw line. After three quarters, they led the Cajuns 47-28.
The Cajuns tried to make a charge, led by Erica Lafayette who had a game-high 21 points. An 8-0 stretch got it down to 47-36, giving the Cajuns life. However, Kennedie Montue, who hit the game-winning three last week when these two teams met, helped the Red Wolves fend Louisiana off. She finished with a team-high 16 points, and Arkansas State held on for the 62-49 win.
BIG NUMBER: 24
The Cajuns turned it over 24 times on Thursday, leading to 16 Red Wolves points. It slowed them down offensively all night.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Kennedie Montue
Kennedie Montue hit the game-winning three when these teams met last week. Today, she followed it up with 16 points, including helping her team put things away in the fourth quarter. She also contributed two rebounds in the Red Wolves’ win.
UP NEXT: The Cajuns will remain home to host the Troy Trojans on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 PM in the Cajundome.