Winners of six straight, the Ragin’ Cajuns are the hottest team in the Sun Belt heading into this week’s tourney. They play Little Rock Wednesday at 5p and should they win, Georgia State Friday at 5p. They’ve already beaten the Trojans twice this year, and although beating the same team three times in one season is difficult, I believe the Cajuns will advance to the quarterfinals.
From there, it all depends on the Cajuns defense. While they bring up the rear in defensive FG% in the Sun Belt, the Cajuns have played, at times, solid defense this season. It tends to begin with the Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Jay Wright. When he can disrupt the other team’s point guard, (and he contributes offensively), the Cajuns are tough to stop.
By no means does Louisiana have an easy path to the title. Most likely they’ll have to go through both Georgia State and Georgia Southern, two teams they haven’t beaten in four tries this season, just to get to the finals. Then, probably, the regular season champs, UT-Arlington will be waiting for them in the Championship game. By that point the Cajuns will be looking for the 10th straight win. How sweet would it be to cap off this winning streak by putting on their dancing shoes?
If the Cajuns play solid defense and continue their clutch play at the end of games, they have as much chance as anyone to win their second Sun Belt Conference Championship in four years. I have a sneaky suspicion Wright will lead them to the NCAA’s.