The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball team lost to the Arkansas State Red Wolves 79-62 on Thursday night inside the Cajundome. The loss moves the Cajuns to 6-9 in Sun Belt Conference play.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Cajuns got off to a hot start offensively. They began on a 15-4 run, capped with threes by Karris Bilal and Milan Mejia. The good start would continue, as Louisiana led 20-9 near the halfway point in the first half.
The Red Wolves would respond, creating a 9-2 run of their own to cut the lead to four. Chandler Jackson was the spark for A-State, as he scored would end up with 21 points in the first half alone. Inside of four minutes to go in the half, the Red Wolves drew even at 26 after a Christian Harmon three.
Down the stretch in the half, Jackson continued to get to the rim with success. That allowed the Red Wolves to take a 36-33 lead into the locker room.
To start the second half, both teams traded buckets, keeping the score close throughout the first four minutes of play. It was 55-51 nearing eight minutes left. That is when the Red Wolves made their run. They went on an 8-0 run to stretch the lead to a game-high 12 at 63-51.
Down the stretch, the Cajuns were unable to defend Arkansas State inside and at the free throw line. Despite an incredible advantage in the turnover column, Louisiana fell 79-62.
BIG NUMBER: 14
Louisiana had just three turnovers and forced Arkansas State into 17. Despite a +14-turnover margin, the Cajuns lost by 17, three more than that advantage.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Chandler Jackson
Louisiana could not slow down Jackson on this night. He finished with 31 points on an ultra-efficient 13/16 from the field. He also added two assists and five rebounds in the game.
UP NEXT: The Cajuns will remain home at the Cajundome to host Texas State on Saturday at noon.