Louisiana's Ragin' Cajun women's basketball team recorded a postseason win on Wednesday at the Cajundome, defeating the Northwestern St. Lady Demons, 69-54, in the opening round of the Women's Basketball Invitational.

Louisiana, the defending champions in the event, are now 5-0, all-time, in the WBI.

The Cajuns, the top-seed in the western side of the bracket, will next host the winner of the match-up between 4th-seeded Stetson and 5th-seeded McNeese, who will play on Thursday night.

Louisiana used a stifling defense to grab an early lead, forcing 10 first quarter turnovers, to hold a 28-8 advantage after 10 minutes of play.

Senior Keke Veal was sizzling in the first period, scoring 15 points in the frame, while senior Kia Wilridge added 6 points and 4 steals.

Northwestern St. was able to settle down in the second period, turning the basketball over only twice, while outscoring UL, 16-10, but the Cajuns still took a 38-24 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Louisiana outshot Northwestern half, St. from the floor in the first half, 65%/39%, while forcing 12 turnovers.

Veal, who didn't score in the second period, lead the way for the Cajuns in the first half, with 15 points, while Wilridge added 8.

Keisha Lee paced the Demons over the first 20:00, with 8 points.

Louisiana put the game away in the third quarter, outscoring Northwestern St., 25-13, to basically put the game out of reach, as they held a big 63-37 lead after three quarters.

The Cajuns put it In cruise control in the fourth quarter, as they went on to the 15-point victory.

Louisiana finished the game outshooting Northwestern St. from the floor, 58%/43%, while forcing 21 turnovers.

Veal, last year's WBI Most Valuable Player, led the way for the Cajuns, finishing with 26 points and 5 assists, while Simone Fields chipped in with 18 points.

In a losing cause for the Lady Demons, Keisha Lee and Beatrice Attura both scored 14 points.

View the game box score.

With the victory, Louisiana improves to 22-10, while Northwestern St. had their season come to an end, finishing with a mark of 19-12.

More From 103.3 The GOAT