University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
LSU-Shreveport (Exhibition)
Brunker's Buzzer-Beater Lifts UL Over LSUS
11/17/2009 1:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
The Lady Pilots opened the game hitting 5-of-9 field goals en route to a 12-6 lead at the 11:59 mark. The Cajuns struggled to find their stroke, knocking down only three shots on 14 attempts.
The Cajuns were able to close within three points, 17-20, with 5:06 left in the first half connecting on five of their next seven attempts.
But LSU-Shreveport was able to take a 37-28 lead into the half after shooting 50-percent (13-26) and hitting 7-of-14 three pointers.
LSUS took the lead well into the second half, still shooting 50-percent from the floor, with a 43-39 lead at the 11:56 mark.
Louisiana narrowed the gap to four points at the 5:26 mark, but still trailed 48-52.
The Cajuns eventually cut LSU-Shreveport's lead to one point, 60-59, after Brunker hit a three-pointer with 1:20 left. The Lady Pilots responded with a trey of their own to gain a 63-59 advantage.
Mercedes Johnson cut LSUS's lead to two after making a bucket in the paint and drawing a foul. After missing the free throw, Alexis Green was able to get the rebound and the put back to tie the game at 61.
With less 20 seconds remaining, the Lady Pilots brought the ball over midcourt and Jasmine Barnes was able to rob Valeria Huizar of the ball. With 4 seconds left, Barnes was able to drive down the court and dish the ball off to Brunker for the game-winning layup as time expired.
The costly turnover was the Lady Pilots' 23rd on the evening, while the Cajuns committed 16 of their own.
The Cajuns shot better in the second and ended up shooting 46.7 percent for the game (28-60). The Pilots fared better hitting 25-of-45 on the night (55.6 percent).
Four Cajuns scored in double figures with Johnson and Green record 14 points each. Lyndra Bell and Brunker dropped in 10 apiece. Green and Barnes led Louisiana with six rebounds each.
Valerie Huizar led the Lady Pilots with 15 points and seven assists in the loss.
The Cajuns will return to action for a game on Saturday against Southern University. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. CT at E.K. Long Gym.
