University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
Texas Southern
Cajuns Open 2009-10 Season With A Win
11/15/2009 1:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Turnovers plagued the Cajuns as Texas Southern opened the game with an 13-2 run. Six turnovers by UL led to five points for the Tigers in the opening minutes.
At the 5:29 mark the Cajuns were able to close the gap to 21-18 after freshman Jamie Gunter provided a spark off the bench scoring, nine points in six minutes.
But the Tigers closed out the half with a 13-4 run to take a 34-22 lead into halftime.
The Cajuns came out in the second half, chipping away at Texas Southern's lead. The Cajuns had their own run of 13-4 to close the gap, trailing 35-38 at the 15:00 minute mark.
At the 6:08 mark, Lyndra Bell made a layup bringing the Cajuns to within one point, 51-52.
Alexis Green hit a jumper with 2:06 left in the game to give the Cajuns their first lead of the contest at 57-56. The lead widen to 60-57 after Jasmine Barnes was able to score a fast-break layup with 1:11 remaining. Mercedes Johnson connected on two free throws with :33 seconds left to seal the win for Louisiana. A final pair of free throws by Green was able to give UL the 64-57 victory.
Johnson led UL with 18 points and six rebounds. Green also recoded double-digit points with 10 points and six boards. Three other Cajuns had nine points each with Becky Hall going 3-for-4 from three-point range.
NaDosha Strickland led a trio of Tigers in double-figures with 16 points.
Though they struggled early on, the Cajuns won the turnover battle 17-21 but lost out on the boards, 30-39.
The Cajuns will return to the hardwood on Monday with an exhibition game against LSU-Shreveport. First tip is set for 5 p.m. CT.
