Cajuns Hammer ‘Jacks to Open Hoops Season

Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns got their 2011-12 season opened in style last night as they defeated the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 83-66 in their first game in the University of San Francisco Hilltop Challenge Friday night.

The Cajuns played everyone on their roster, as they opened the game on an 8-0 run and never trailed in the contest.

Louisiana (1-0), was led by Junior College transfer Kadeem Coleby, who had 16 points and eight blocked shots.  Vanderbilt transfer Darshawn McClellan added 13 points featuring three triples.  Sophomore Bryant Mbamalu, who scored seven of the opening eight points, added 12.  J. J. Thomas led the Cajuns in rebounding with eight.  He also added nine points and eight assists.

The Cajuns got the double-digit win despite 21 turnovers and losing the rebounding battle 36-30.

Louisiana shot  62% for the game and was over 60% shooting in both halves.

Louisiana takes on North Dakota State tonight at 10:30 in the second night of the tournament.  The Bison defeated host San Francisco last night.