WKU Thwarts Cajuns’ Comeback Bid 79-70

Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns battled back from a sixteen point second half deficit, but couldn't quite get over the hump as Western Kentucky made enough shots down the stretch to hold off the Cajuns 79-70 before a season high 4,998 at the Cajundome.

Louisiana (12-8. 3-5 Sun Belt) trailed 57-41 with 12:47 left before going on a 12-0 to cut the lead to four, 57-53.  During the run, Kevin Brown scored all of his seven points and appeared to get a key steal that could have extended the run.  But official Byron Evans granted a timeout.  Trency Jackson hit two free throws to give the Hilltoppers (13-7. 5-2) a six point lead.  The Cajuns got to within two points on a Bryant Mbamalu jumper with 6:51 left and had a chance to take the lead, but Brown missed a three pointer and the Cajuns got no closer.

George Fant had a big game for WKU, scoring 25 points on 10-14 shooting, Chris Harrison-Docks added a career high 18, while Jackson added 13.  WKU, shooting only 66.6% from the free throw line on the year, hit 24-27 for the game (88.9%).

For the Cajuns, Elfrid Payton led the way with 16 points.  Shawn Long and Mbamalu added 13 each and Xavian Rimmer scored ten.  The Cajuns made just 23-60 from the field (38.3%) while WKU hit 26-53 (49.1%).

Louisiana used a 10-2 run in the first half to take a ten point lead, 24-14 after Steven Wronkoski and Rimmer hit back to back three pointers.  The lead was still ten at 31-21 before WKU went on a 25-1 run, taking a five point lead at the half and scoring the first nine points of the second half.

Louisiana will now hit the road to play Arkansas-Little Rock Thursday night at the Stephens Center.