The maturation process of UL freshman guard Elfrid Payton hit fast-forward once again in Thursday night’s 72-71 overtime victory over the Denver Pioneers.

It began in the first half with the visiting Pioneers on the verge of taking control of the game — and perhaps a double-digit lead — and ended with yet another drive to the basket that resulted in a controversial Cajun victory.

"I just kept attacking and trying to create things," Payton said. "Good things tend to happen when you drive to the basket."

That’s one lesson Payton has learned quite well during his first season of college basketball still at the age that would make him a junior at some high schools across the country.

But that’s just the beginning of the gems Payton’s tucking away in the back of his mind for future use as the floor leader of the team.

The next one came in the first half. Some early turnovers against Denver’s complicated switching defense earned him some time to watch on the bench. During that stretch, Denver began to take control, getting its lead up to 29-22 with 3:27 left in the first half.

"I got him back in there to try to give him some confidence," UL coach Bob Marlin said. "I knew we’d need him in the second half."

Instead of that one goal, Payton lifted the confidence of the entire team. Two driving layups and a free throw got UL back in it down just 31-30 with 1:36 left.

"I thought 2 (Payton) did some good things for them in the first half when they were a little stagnant on offense," Denver coach Joe Scott said. "He came in and was able to get some buckets. I thought we then did a much better job against him in the second half."

Payton’s second-half contribution until his latest heroic finish was more one of patience while continuing to try to create.

"You have to watch when they switch and try to exploit it when we get a good matchup," Payton said. "I just kept trying to keep attacking."

Payton even got in on the defensive side of things with a blocked shot with 3:54 left with Denver leading by three points with the ball. That quickly led to Josh Brown’s game-tying 3-pointers with 3:25 left in regulation.

He also showed his defensive prowess in the backcourt, creating two steals — one of which earned UL a 56-52 lead with 10:26 left in regulation.

"His length and his mobility are pretty impressive," Marlin said. "He’s competitive and he’s got long arms.

"We had that one defensive play in the second half where I was looking up the court at our defense and the next thing I know he’s deflecting the ball and scoring."

Of course, what most fans will remember for some time to come was how Payton finished the game. getting fouled on a breakaway with less than a second left in overtime and making the free throw for the game-winner.

"I knew I was going to make it," Payton said of getting the layup off before the buzzer and drawing the foul for the game-winner.

Payton would finish the game with 20 points, three rebounds, three assists, one block and two steals, along with six pesky turnovers.

Despite the freshman mistakes, Payton’s teammates have learned to trust their youthful guard.

"When he (Payton) has the ball, everybody’s comfortable," Brown said. "He’s a good player. We know he’s going to make a big play."