University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
Arkansas State
Strong ASU Defense Too Much for Cajuns
2/17/2011 1:58:00 AM | Women's Basketball
The strong defensive play of Arkansas State proved to be too much as Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns women's basketball team fell to the Red Wolves, 66-44, inside Earl K. Long Gym on Wednesday evening.
Arkansas State (13-13, 6-7 Sun Belt) never trailed in the game, opening on an 8-2 run. Louisiana (11-15, 4-9 Sun Belt) cut the deficit to six mid-way through the first half, but ASU's defense held UL to 34 percent (20-of-59) from the floor in the contest.
The Red Wolves shot 44 percent (27-of-61) from the field, while out-rebounding UL, 46-to-35.
Junior guard Danyell Oliver was the only UL player to reach double-digits, scoring a game-high 16 points.
Despite limited play due to illness, Mercedes Johnson inked eight points, going 4-for-8 from the field in 21 minutes of action.
ASU tallied 26 points of Cajuns turnovers as three Red Wolves reached double-digits. Sherina Scott led the way with 16 points.
In the first half, Arkansas State nailed 14 field goals for 37 percent (14-of-38). Louisiana shot 30 percent (9-of-30) from the floor with Jasmine Barnes collecting a team-best five points. Scott led the Wolves with eight points.
ASU opened on an 8-2 run in the first four minutes. The Ragin' Cajuns pulled within six after a pair of made baskets by Johnson.
Continuing their offensive pace, Arkansas State opened up to a 21-11 lead with 8:15 on the clock.
Oliver's jumper with 5:40 left in the first half put the Cajuns back within six.
An 11-4 run by Arkansas State helped the Red Wolves take a 34-19 lead into the half.
A strong second half by ASU propelled the Red Wolves to an 18 point advantage at 17:43. UL nailed five of their first 12 attempts from the floor to pull within 16 with 10-plus minutes remaining.
Oliver reached double figures in the second half for the first time since tallying 11 against Middle Tennessee on Jan. 8.
Arkansas State inked their largest lead with three-plus minutes remaining, taking a 60-39 advantage.
Louisiana extended it's made three-pointer streak to 45 consecutive games when Danyell Oliver drained a triple with 32 seconds left in the game .
The Ragin' Cajuns will play in their home game at Earl K. Long Gym on Saturday afternoon against Western Kentucky. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 pm.
-- Ragin' Cajuns --
