Milwaukee Thwarts Cajuns’ Comeback 56-52

The Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns suffered through a brutal shooting first half, came roaring back to take the lead but couldn't hold on as Milwaukee took a 56-52 win over the Cajuns at the MGM Grand Main Event in Las Vegas.

Louisiana (1-3) led 7-6 with 13:39 remaining in the first half, but the Panthers (2-3) went on a 9-0 run over the next two minutes to build a 15-7 lead.  The Cajuns hit only 6-26 field goal attempts in the first half as the Panthers got eleven points from Steve McWhorter to build a 24-14 lead at the half.  It was the first time the Cajuns had been held under 20 points in a half since New Mexico State did it back in November, 2012.

In the second half, the Panthers still had a ten points lead, 33-23 with 14:47 left, but the Cajuns went on a 8-0 run  A three point basket by Cody Wichmann got the lead to five points, but then the Cajuns went on a 13-2 run fueled by seven points from Brian Williams to take a 44-38 lead with 7:08 to go.  Milwaukee tied the game at 45-45 on two Trinson White free throws with 5:33 left in the game.  The game was still tied with 3:30 to go after two Jay Wright free throws.  White made one of two freebies with 2:18 to go to give Milwaukee a 50-49 lead, but the Cajuns aot a layup by Bryce Washington to take a 51-50 lead with 1:24 left.

The Cajuns had a one point lead and possession in the final minute but Jay Wright was stripped of the ball by McWhorter and Matt Tiby scored inside with 43 seconds left to give the Panthers a 52-51 lead.  Bryce Washington missed an inside shot with 22 seconds left and Justin Jordan gave Milwaukee a three point lead with 13 seconds to go.  Xavian Rimmer missed a three pointer and got fouled on the rebound.  He made the first free throw and was missing the second on purpose, but the Cajuns were called for a lane violation with 2.8 seconds remaining.  Tiby made two free throws for the final margin.

McWhorter had a double double with 18 poitns and ten rebounds.  He also added four assists and four steals.

Louisiana was led by Rimmer and Brian Williams with 12 points each, while Devonta Walker added ten.  Walker and Williams led the Cajuns in rebounding with six.

Milwaukee shot 37.2 percent for the game, but just 31.8 percent in the second half.  Louisiana hit 42.9 percent in the second half and finished at 33.3%. The Cajuns, who had averaged 22 turnovers over their first three games, turned it over 16 times, while Milwaukee was forced into 22 turnovers.  The Cajuns, who played without the services of forward Shawn Long, were outrebounded 38-27.

Louisiana will now face Oral Roberts in their final game in Las Vegas tomorrow night at 8pm..