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CAJUNS FALL IN THIRD-PLACE GAME AT SAN JUAN SHOOTOUT ... Dec. 22, 1999

SAN JUAN, P.R. -- Rolan Roberts hit a baseline jumper with 13 seconds left to give Virginia Tech a three-point cushion and ultimately a 59-56 win over Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns in the third-place game at the San Juan Shootout on Wednesday.

The Cajuns (6-4) led by 10 points at the 7:20 mark on a pair of free throws from Jarret Evans. But VTU took off on an 18-2 run over the next 3:48 to take a 57-51 lead. Roberts and Brian Chase led the charge for the Hokies, scoring six and eight points, respectively, during the rally.

UL Lafayette answered back with a run of its own and pulled to within 57-56 on Lonnie Thomas' three-point play with only 1:29 remaining. On its next possession, VTU turned the ball over but the Cajuns were unable to capitalize with a giveaway of their own.

With that lead, Virginia Tech called Roberts' number and he delivered with his jumper that was originally thought by one official to be a three-pointer.

""That was a big shot by Roberts,"" UL Lafayette head coach Jessie Evans said. "We lost him on a screen and he was open and he drilled it.''

The Cajuns had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer but Blane Harmon's desperation shot was well off the mark.

""That wasn't the best shot we could get, but it was the shot we got,'' Evans said. ""The play called for dribble penetration but when you're pressured 94 feet up the court, things happen.''

Roberts led all scorers in the game with 22 points, including 13 in the second half. Dennis Mims added 14 points for the Hokies with Chase chipping in with 13 points and three 3-pointers.

Two UL Lafayette reserves came off the bench to lead the Cajuns offensively. Orlando Butler scored 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting and Lonnie Thomas posted 11 points.

In the first half, the Cajuns jumped ahead 15-9 at the 9:50 mark on Thomas' jumper. But Virginia Tech reeled off 13 straight points over the next 3:26 to take a 22-15 lead.

The Cajun then answered back with a 8-5 run to close out the half and go into the locker room, trailing only 27-23.

At the beginning of the second half, the Cajuns retook the lead at 38-37 on free throws by Kendall Regis and extended it to double digits with an 11-2 run. Butler led the way with five points in the stretch.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics

The Official Site for USL Ragin' Cajun Athletics USL Sports, USL Athletics, University of Southwestern Louisiana, Football, Basketball, Vol

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