University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
Denver
Cajuns Go Cold Against Denver
12/31/2010 1:35:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Even after erasing a second half double-digit deficit, a cold night of shooting proved to be the difference as Louisiana' Ragin' Cajuns men's basketball team fell to Denver on Thursday night, 65-52.
The frosty shooting performance seemed to be the norm in Denver as the outside temperature was 11 degrees at tip-off with steady snowfall.
With the loss in the Sun Belt Opener, UL now stands at 2-10 overall and 0-1 in the league. The Pioneers are now 5-9 with a 1-0 start in conference play.
The Cajuns finished the night shooting 36.4 percent (16-44) from the floor after a chilly first half (7-20, 35.0 percent). But Denver could not be bested, hitting 55.0 percent of their shots (22-40).
UL also struggled from the charity stripe, going 18-of-30 (60.0 percent) while Denver was perfect on all 14 attempts.
The game started with both teams trading baskets to an 8-8 tie by the 14:23 mark. But the Cajuns' shooting stroke went cold and Denver was able to pull ahead, 20-8, on the heels of a 12-0 run with 8:04 remaining.
A dunk by Scottie Farrington snapped a seven-minute scoreless streak at 7:16 mark. But the Cajuns still trailed, 20-10.
Another field goal drought ensued until Raymone Andrews hit a floater in the lane at the 3:39 mark to make the contest 26-14 in favor of the Pioneers.
A three-pointer from David Perez brought the Cajuns back to with single digits until DU hit a trey of their own to hold a 31-19 advantage.
Both teams would hit a pair of free throws to closeout the half with the Pioneers ahead, 33-21.
Denver maintained a healthy margin for much of the second half, leading by as much as 10, until UL's defense started to make some defensive stops.
The Cajuns held the Pioneers to just one field goal over a five-minute span midway through the second half. During the drought, UL rattled off an 8-2 run to pull to within two, 41-43, with 7:30 remaining.
UL kept pace with Pioneers over the next four minutes but could not claim its first lead of the game. Denver managed to hold a 53-50 lead with 3:27 left in the contest.
It was the closest the Cajuns would come for the remainder of the contest as UL failed to hit a field goal for the final 3:43.
J.J. Thomas led UL with 11 points and seven rebounds. All of his point production came in the second half.
Bryant Mbamalu, Josh Brown and Andrew had eight points each.
The Cajuns will now head to Denton, Texas to ring in the New Year against North Texas. Saturday's tip is part of a double header and is set for 4 p.m. CT following the conclusion of the women's game.
