Warhawks Late Surge Dooms Cajuns, 67-55

With 10:52 remaining in the second half, the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns held a five point lead over first place UL Monroe at Fant-Ewing Coliseum Thursday night.

A three point play by Devonte Walker gave the Cajuns a 48-43 lead and things were looking good for the Cajuns.

Then the roof fell in.

The Warhawks went on a 24-5 run aided by five Cajuns' turnovers and a dozen missed shots and ULM got the victory, 67-55 before a crowd of 3, 502.

Nick Coppola's three point basket cut the Cajuns lead to two points and Justin Roberson's extra effort basket tied the game with 8:45 to go.  Majok Deng then banked in a three point basket and ULM would never trail again.  Brian Williams three point basket tied the game briefly with 7:05 to go, but Coppola hit another triple 24 seconds later.  After the teams traded baskets, ULM went on an 11-0 run over the next four minutes to put the game away.

Tylor Ongwae led ULM in scoring with 21 points, hitting 8-15 from the field, including 3-5 from beyond the arc.  Majok Deng added 16 points and Roberson chipped in with 14. Coppola, playing all 40 minutes, scored eight points, snatched eight rebounds and handed out five assists and did not have a turnover.

The Cajuns did not have any player make more than one field goal in the second half.  Shawn Long recorded his fourth consecutive double double with 13 points and 13 rebounds.  He passed Dion Brown and moved into third place in career rebounds.

The Cajuns (13-12, 7-7 Sun Belt) will now try to split the road trip when they face Troy this Saturday afternoon at Trojan Arena.  ULM won its fifth straight game to move to 17-8 on the season, 11-3 in league play, one half game ahead of Georgia Southern.