UL Women Top UC-Riverside, 59-56

Louisiana's Ragin' Cajun women's basketball team picked up their first victory of the young season on Wednesday night, defeating the UC-Riverside Highlanders, 59-56, in non-conference action, in Riverside, California.

With the score tied, 55-55, UL guard Nicole Morris turned a steal into a bucket, giving the Cajuns a 57-55 lead with 3:24 to play.

Later, with the Cajuns leading 57-56, with :18 remaining, forward Mercedes Johnson connected on two free throws, to give UL a 59-56 advantage.

A UC-Riverside three-point attempt at the buzzer was unsuccessful, and the Cajuns captured their first win of the year.

UC-Riverside out-shot UL from the field, 43%-37%, but the Cajuns out-rebounded the Highlanders, 38-34, and forced 19 turnovers, to help them escape with the win.

Johnson paved the way for Louisiana, finishing with 20 points and five rebounds, while Krystal Motley chipped in with 10 points.

For UC-Riverside, they were led in a losing cause by Natasha Hadley, who scored 16 points.

With the win, UL improves to 1-3 on the year, while UC-Riverside drops to 1-4.

The Cajuns return to play on Friday evening, on the road, against San Diego.  

UL senior forward Mercedes Johnson

Ragincajuns.com has a game recap.