Louisiana Lafayette basketball delivered a season-defining performance Saturday, fueled by Mostapha El Moutaouakkil’s 23-point showcase to defeat the Marshall Thundering Herd 79-68. The Ragin’ Cajuns snapped a three-game skid with their most complete offensive effort of the year, outscoring Marshall 44-32 in the paint.
El Moutaouakkil dominated from tip-off, adding eight rebounds and two steals to his stat line. His driving layup with 8:12 remaining sparked a 12-2 run that sealed the game. When we move the ball like this, everyone eats, the sophomore guard told reporters postgame.
Supporting efforts came from Christian Wright (20 points) and Kentrell Garnett (11 points), who combined for four three-pointers. Louisiana Lafayette’s defense forced 14 turnovers, converting them into 18 crucial points.
This showed what we’re capable of when locked in, said head coach Michael Marlin. Mostapha’s leadership tonight was textbook.
Marshall’s Obinna Anochili-Killen put on a defensive clinic with nine blocks – the third-highest total in NCAA games this season – alongside 18 points and six rebounds. Backcourt duo Jalen Speer (14 points) and Nate Martin (13 points, 10 rebounds) kept the Herd competitive until the final minutes.
Key game insights:
- Louisiana Lafayette shot 51% from the field – 12% above their season average
- Marshall’s 6/23 three-point performance (26%) doomed comeback efforts
- Rebounding battle tied 36-36 despite Marshall’s size advantage
The upset reshapes the Sun Belt Conference outlook. Louisiana Lafayette (9-18, 6-8) climbs to eighth place, while Marshall (15-12, 8-6) falls out of top-three contention. Both teams face critical road tests Thursday – the Ragin’ Cajuns visit Troy, while Marshall clashes with Old Dominion.