The South Alabama Jaguars showed grit and determination to seize a 62-58 overtime victory over the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns in a thrilling Sun Belt Conference matchup on Saturday night in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Barry Dunning Jr. was the standout performer of the game, delivering a stellar performance with 18 points and 15 rebounds, solidifying his role as a key player for the Jaguars. His contribution was pivotal throughout the game and especially crucial during overtime.
Complementing Dunning's outstanding display, Myles Corey added 17 points, honing in on 5 of 13 shots from the field. Despite some challenges at the three-point line, where he scored 2 out of 7 attempts, Corey ensured to capitalize on his free-throw opportunities, hitting 5 of 10.
Another significant player for South Alabama was Elijah Ormiston, shooting an impressive 6 of 9 from the field to contribute 13 points. His consistent performance provided the necessary support for his teammates in the offensive game.
On the Ragin' Cajuns side, Mostapha El Moutaouakkil shone brightly with 17 points and 11 rebounds. His free throws in the closing seconds of regulation enabled Louisiana to tie the game at 56-56, propelling the contest into an exciting overtime. However, even with El Moutaouakkil's efforts, Louisiana struggled in the extra period, committing costly turnovers that favored South Alabama's defensive strategy.
Kentrell Garnett chipped in with 12 points, five assists, and three steals, attempting to steer Louisiana towards victory. Nevertheless, the Ragin' Cajuns' inability to maintain consistency under pressure ultimately played into the Jaguars' hands.
As overtime commenced, El Moutaouakkil's quick layup initially gave Louisiana the lead. However, from that point onward, the Ragin' Cajuns hit a dry spell, missing all three of their field goal attempts and giving away five turnovers amidst a strong defensive show from South Alabama.
Both teams will face more challenges next Wednesday. South Alabama is set to visit Coastal Carolina, where they will aim to build on their winning momentum. Meanwhile, Louisiana will travel to face Georgia Southern, looking to bounce back from this hard-fought game.
This encounter, crafted with insights from Data Skrive and data from Sportradar, highlights the intense competition and unpredictability inherent in college basketball, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.