After a break from playing basketball while focusing on finals week, the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns struggled to get out of first gear on Saturday afternoon, falling to the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 77-59 in their first game without Kobe Julien.
How It Happened
The Ragin Cajuns took an early 8-7 lead early in the first half thanks to a Jalen Johnson three-pointer, but the Bulldogs kept things under control and got out to a 17-12 lead thanks in large to some great shooting from Daquan Bracey.
Dou Gueye got Louisiana back out in front after a nice layup with 12:35 left in the first half, but from that point on they went ice cold from the field. That gave Louisiana Tech an opportunity to pull out in front with a 13-1 run and they headed to the locker room up 44-29.
It continued to be all Louisiana Tech in the second half with Bracey giving them a 20-point lead with 15:52 left in the ballgame. The Cajuns started to rally, getting within 15 points with 8:20 remaining, but they missed their next ten attempts on the floor until a Jalen Johnson layup in the final three minutes.
Big Number: 15
Saturday’s game between the Bulldogs and the Cajuns was defined by second chances with Louisiana Tech outscoring their opponent 15-8. Nothing short of impressive from a program that has had some very hotly contested ballgames in the past against Louisiana.
Player of the Game: Daquan Bracey
Bracey was on another level, leading the team with a season-high 26 points, racking up five boards, and finishing with three assists on the afternoon. The senior guard also set season highs in field-goals made (10), three-pointers made (5), and minutes played (35). Safe to say he’ll take a day off to recuperate before their next ballgame.
Next Up: Wednesday at Arkansas State; Tipoff at 7 pm