Cajuns Pull Away from Troy Late in 76-66 Win

LAFAYETTE, La- Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns basketball went on a quick 8-2 run to begin the second half, taking a 42-28 lead over Troy. The Trojans couldn't hold back the Cajun shooters, with Alan-Michael Thompson hitting 6-of-8 from beyond the arc as UL fought off several comebacks by Troy to pull out the 76-66 victory.

The Ragin' Cajuns split the season series, denying Trojans coach Don Maestri his 500th career win for the second straight game. Troy won 71-52 on Feb. 2.

Elfrid Payton scored 23 points, hitting 9 of 9 free throws, as Louisiana held off Troy in the second half after three comebacks by the Trojans.

Alan-Michael Thompson added 20 points and Shawn Long had 18 points and five blocks for Louisiana (11-17, 7-10 Sun Belt Conference), which has won three of its last four games.

The Ragin' Cajuns led 18-5 en route to a 34-26 halftime advantage. The Trojans tied it at 59 on Deonata Jethroe's layup with 5:03 left, but Thompson hit back-to-back 3-pointers, then Louisiana made 11 of 12 free throws to seal it.

Coach Marlin stated in the post game press conference, "We played well again for the first part of the ball game and then let Troy catch up to tie the score before retaking the lead. We don't shoot the ball well in the second half and we were able to hit our free throws down the stretch. I was proud of our guys and the way they stepped up and hit free throws."

The Ragin' Cajuns made 23 of 28 foul shots compared to Troy's 11 of 18.

Jethroe scored 20 points to lead the Trojans (11-17, 6-11) who have lost four of their last five.

The Ragin' Cajuns were 23-of-47 from the field (48.9 %) and 7-of-15 from deep (46.7 %). Troy shot 42 percent from the field (24-of-57) and 33 percent from range (7-of-21). Troy outrebounded Louisiana 32-28.