University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
Western Kentucky
Fast Start Carries WKU Past Louisiana
12/31/2009 11:15:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Cajuns now sit at 4-9 on the year overall and 0-2 in Sun Belt play. The Lady Toppers improved to 7-6 on the season and 1-1 in league play.
The Cajuns fell behind early, 18-6, as the Lady Toppers hit four three-pointers on their first eight attempts by the 11:58 mark.
Miscues and poor shooting hampered the Cajuns in the first half as they trailed 40-18 at the break. UL was only able to knock down 21.4 percent of its shots (6-28) and committed 12 turnovers which led to 12 points for WKU.
Lyndra Bell converted a three-point play on the second half's opening possession to cut the deficit under 20 points at 40-21. A triple by Kenzie Rich at 19:31 returned the WKU lead to 20-plus for the remainder of the game.
The Lady Toppers continued to pull away in the second half, stretching their lead to 27 points at the 12:25 mark after a Keisha Mosley basket made it 58-31.
Trailing 66-39, Louisiana outscored WKU 13-8 in the game's final 8:36 starting with a Mercedes Johnson layup at 8:08.
Johnson led UL with her second double-double on the season, posting a game-high 22 points with a career-high 16 rebounds. Jamie Gunter joined her in double-figures with 12 points.
WKU was led by LaTeira Owens' 20 points. Rich (11 points) and Hope Brown (10 points) joined her in double figures.
The Ragin' Cajuns will wrap up the season's first Sun Belt road trip on Sunday in Murfreesboro, Tenn. UL will face Middle Tennessee in the first game of the New Year. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.
-- Ragin' Cajuns --
