The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball team defeated the Southern Miss Golden Eagles 77-61 on Friday night inside the Cajundome. The victory concludes the regular season as Louisiana now turns their attention to the Sun Belt Conference Tournament in Pensacola, where the Cajuns enter as the defending champions and number five seed.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Louisiana had to make some changes to their usual starting lineup, as Themus Fulks missed the game due to illness. Brandon Hardy and Michael Thomas slid into the starting five, as Kentrell Garnett came off of the bench for the first time this season. The lineup change worked for the Cajuns, as they came out red hot. Joe Charles scored the first 10 points and Louisiana jumped out to a 14-3 lead. By the second media timeout, the Cajuns led 20-11.
Southern Miss would never get closer than six the rest of the half, as they had 11 turnovers and struggled to get into a rhythym. Hardy gave the Cajuns a boost in his first collegiate start, turning a couple of steals into transition baskets.
At the end of the first half, Louisiana put together a 7-0 run, capped by a Thomas turnaround jumper to make the lead 16 points at 39-23 heading into the break. That represented the largest lead of the first half as well.
The second half began with back-and-forth action, as Louisiana could not extend their lead past 16 points. Early in the half, Hosana Kitenge and Julien both picked up their third fouls, complicating things for the Cajuns. They withstood that though, and a Garnett three got the lead back to 16 at 58-42.
Southern Miss started to make their run with just over four minutes to play. They were able to get the lead down to nine several times, and they eventually got it to that point again at 64-55. However, Louisiana responded with an 8-0 run to put the game out of reach and hold on for a 77-61 win.
BIG NUMBER: 17
Louisiana’s defensive effort was relentless, as they had 17 steals. That led to plenty of points off turnovers and allowed Louisiana to secure a much-needed victory.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Joe Charles
“Carencro Joe” did it again, as he scored the first 10 points of the game for the Cajuns. He followed it up by ending with 16 and 14 rebounds, securing yet another double-double.
UP NEXT: Louisiana travels to Pensacola, Florida where they will play in the second round of the Sun Belt Tournament on Thursday, March 14th.