Ragin' Cajun Women's Basketball took over the second half against Troy to keep themselves in the running for the Sun Belt Tournament Championship.

Neither team led by more than five for the first portion of the game, and the Cajuns took a 28-26 lead into halftime, despite a scoring drought that lasted over three minutes. They dictated the tempo out of the locker room, in classic Cajun defensive fashion, and slowly built their lead until it was too much for Troy to overcome.

Freshman Simone Fields picked a good time to register the first double-double for the Cajuns this season, putting in 15 points and ripping down 10 rebounds. Associate Head Coach Sallie Guillory seems elated with Fields' skill, and her timing.

"She knew she could do that, and we were waiting for that breakout game" Guillory said after the game. "It couldn't happen at a better time."

Three other UL players broke double-figures in their opening round victory as well. Keke Veal continued her offensive momentum from the back end of the season to post 20 points (7-10 FG, 6-10 FT). Jaylyn Gordon missed her fair share of shots (4-13 FG), but she made the only two Cajun three-balls on the day and finished with 13 points. Kia Wilridge added in 11 points to top it all off.

Gabby Alexander was the only other Cajun to score, adding in 7 points in the scoring column. The key was their team defense, which should come as no surprise.

The Sun Belt's leading scorer, Ashley Beverly-Kelley, might have put in 17 points, but don't let that number fool you. A number of Cajuns (Jodi Quinn, Robbie Brown, etc.) forced her to take poor, contested shots, and she ended up only making 8-25 FG attempts. In terms of assist-to-turnover ratio, the Cajuns gave their coach something they usually only dream of. Troy turned the ball over a whopping 19 times, while only assisting on two buckets: the picture of defensive beauty.

Louisiana will look to carry their ferocity in the second half into their upcoming second round game against the number two seed, Arkansas State. Coach Guillory and Head Coach Garry Brodhead keep saying they don't need a miracle, just three wins.

"You got to win the first one to play in the last one." Guillory said.

One down. Two more to go.

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