The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns’ men’s basketball team fell to the Old Dominion Monarchs 67-49 in the second round of the Sun Belt Tournament on Wednesday night in Pensacola. The loss eliminates UL from the SBC Tournament.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The game was back and forth early on, with neither team grabbing much of a lead. For the Cajuns, Mostaoha El Moutaouakkil led the way early as he did last night in the win over ULM.
Neither team separated until Old Dominion built a six point lead inside of four minutes left in the first half. That made it 27-21, and the Cajuns struggled to close in at that point. By the half, ODU led 29-23.
In the second half, the back and forth nature continued. Much like he did in the first meeting this season between these two teams, Sean Durugordon was a problem for the Cajuns. He ended the night with 21 points and 10 rebounds. El Moutaouakkil got it to within one point at 40-39, with the Cajuns having the momentum.
At that point, ODU took the momentum back and never gave it up. They extended the lead to double-digits inside of six minutes left. At that point, the wind was out of the Cajuns’ sail and ODU pulled away.
BIG NUMBER: 49
The Cajuns’ offense never got rolling in this one. They were held to under 50 points, and struggled mightily in the second half.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Sean Durugordon
Durugordon had 21 points and 10 rebounds for ODU, leading the way. He contributed on both sides of the floor and UL struggled to defend him.
UP NEXT: The Cajuns season comes to a close with this loss.