The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns women’s basketball team fell 60-59 to the Miami Ohio RedHawks on Saturday afternoon inside the Cajundome. The loss was apart of the SBC-MAC Challenge.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Cajuns began the game with effective offense, scoring six straight off the bat largely thanks to leading scorer Erica Lafayette. The RedHawks found their way back into things with a couple of three-point jumpers, with their leading scorer Enjulina Gonzalez also being a factor. Both offenses had good flow to them in the period, but Louisiana held an 18-14 lead after one.
That rhythm on the offensive side seemed to disappear in the second quarter, as both teams struggled early. Later in the quarter, however, Miami put together a run. The RedHawks ended on a 6-0 stretch to take a 32-26 lead into the break.
The Louisiana defense showed back up in the third and helped get them back into the game. Gonzalez was held in check after her initial surge, and the Cajuns did just enough offensively to retake the lead. They led 40-39 after three quarters.
The fourth began as a continuation of the third, with Louisiana pressing onwards and turning defense into offense. Miami wouldn’t go away though, and they stayed within striking distance late. On the final possession, Tamar Singer hit a step-back three to tie to tie the game at 55. That sent the game to overtime.
In overtime, points were hard to come by again. Miami held a 60-59 lead, but the Cajuns had a chance to win it. Their final shot attempt was blocked, and the RedHawks held on for the win.
BIG NUMBER: 17
Tamar Singer had a career high 17 points, and that was the difference. She hit a couple of huge shots along the way.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Tamar Singer
A step-back 25 footer to tie the game and force overtime was the critical shot of the day. Singer also set a career high in scoring and led the way for the RedHawks in the win.
UP NEXT: The Cajuns will remain home to face Texas State on Wednesday night at 5:00 PM inside the Cajundome.