Ragin’ Cajuns Suffer First Sun Belt Loss Against Georgia Southern

The Ragin' Cajuns tripped out of the starting blocks against Georgia Southern, and they were never able to make up the ground for their first loss in conference play.

Despite drawing within one possession several times in the second half, it is hard to look past the beginning of UL's 78-70 loss in Statesboro.

There were a few questionable calls toward the end of the game, but the dark clouds of a loss started surrounding the gym early on.

The rim wasn't just unkind, it was downright mean to start the game. The Cajuns missed their first nine attempts from beyond the three point line, and it took more than ten minutes of game time for them to break double-digits on the scoreboard. Both teams scored 43 points in the second half, but the first half hurdle was simply too high to clear.

Head Coach Bob Marlin could have blamed the refs or the poor start, but he looked squarely at his team for their mistakes in the loss.

"Tonight, we busted plays...we just got to be sharp and focused," Marlin said in postgame. "I want more, and I'm going to demand that I get it."

Playing in front of a sold out crowd on the road, the Cajuns had more turnovers (14) than assists (13). They won the rebounding battle, 46-37, but the Cajuns only led once: when Shawn Long scored the opening basket of the game.

Long led the Cajuns with 18 points and 8 rebounds and tried to will the team to a comeback in the second half. He received aid from Brian Williams' 10 points and Hayward Register's 12 points off the bench from three balls, but Jay Wright and Kasey Shepherd combined to go 1-13 from the field for seven points, and Wright missed four of his seven FT attempts.

Sometimes mistakes go unnoticed, but not often does it slip a coach's observing glance.

"We've got to score and play better from the guard position," Marlin said after the loss.

After getting off to the hot start with four straight wins in conference play, this loss brings players right back into a coach's wheelhouse. When the team is on a roll, practice is fun. The next couple trips to the gym might not be a joyride.

Marlin said that his team would have to turn around and play better quickly, and he couldn't speak more truthfully. The loss was the first game in a ten day stretch housing five games, which would test the strength and preparation of any team.

Up next, the Cajuns head home for a three game stint in the Cajundome against South Alabama, ULM and Arkansas State. The long trip back from Statesboro will give the players and coaches plenty of time to diagnose the issues from their first conference loss, but nothing gets the sour taste out of your mouth like a little home cooking.