The Ragin Cajuns were taken to the limit on Tuesday night, but were able to come away with an overtime win over UL Monroe (10-12, 6-5 SBC) to extend their win streak to seven straight.
The Warhawks took control early on with some solid shooting from the arc, but the Cajuns fought back at the end of the first half, even taking the lead a couple of times. But the Warhawks were able to get the lead back and held a 33-32 lead heading into the locker room with some clutch shooting by Majok Deng.
The second half started out with both teams trying to build a gap between them to try and come away with the win, and it seemed that UL Monroe was able to have the edge with an 11 point lead with 10 minutes left in regulation. But the Cajuns had other plans, going on a 15-2 run heading into the final media timeout to take a sizable lead.
The Warhawks were able to get back in the game late with Deng making both of his free throws with 32 seconds left in regulation to tie it up. Kasey Shepherd, who has been fairly clutch at the buzzer during the season, missed a potential game-winner to send it to overtime.
The extra frame was where the Cajuns completely dominated. They scored eight points, six of which were by Shawn Long, in overtime and held the Warhawks to a solitary point.
Long led the Cajuns with 28 points, 17 boards, one assist, two blocks, and one steal on the night. Johnathan Stove was right behind him with 13 points, seven boards, and two steals.
Justin Roberson led the Warhawks with 21 points, six boards, three assists, and two steals on the night.
The Cajuns (12-8, 8-3 SBC) will leave the friendly confines of the Cajundome on Thursday night as they take on Appalachian State (6-15, 4-6 SBC) with tipoff set for 6:30 pm. The last time these two faced off, the Cajuns won 79-58.