Men’s Basketball: Cajuns handle Little Rock in SBC opener + Reunion Invitation and Information

The Advertiser, Dec. 29, 2017 

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The UL Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball team is hoping to open the 2017-18 Sun Belt Conference season with a rare Arkansas sweep.

And coach Bob Marlin’s club took a huge first step to achieving that goal with an impressive 77-63 victory over Little Rock’s Trojans on Friday at the Jack Stephens Center in the league opener for both clubs.

More: Cajuns open SBC play with lofty goals

The Cajuns will now go for the sweep at Arkansas State at 3:30 p.m. Sunday in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

The Cajuns, who are now 11-3 on the season, didn’t have a great night shooting, but completely dominated the boards in overpowering the Trojans, who fell to 3-11 on the season.

UL outrebounded Little Rock 45-26, led by a stellar 19-rebounds performance from senior forward Bryce Washington.

Washington also scored 15 points behind 7-of-8 shooting at the free throw line in 34 minutes of play.

More: Cajuns have plenty of options with Marquetti, Stove

Leading the Cajuns in scoring was JaKeenan Gant with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the field with 10 rebounds in 25 minutes.

Frank Bartley was next with 16 points, along with four rebounds in just 25 minutes of play.

Little Rock actually shot 47 percent from the field, compared to 46 for the Cajuns.

Little Rock made six 3-pointers, compared to UL’s five.

Because of the big rebounding edge, the Cajuns had 20 second-chance points compared to just eight for Little Rock.

More: Cajuns pull off another role reversal against SLU

Another factor in UL’s favor in the contest was the free throw line where the Cajuns made 20 of 24 attempts, compared to just three of 12 by Little Rock.

Little Rock was led by a pair of double-figure scorers in Anthony Black with 14 points and three rebounds, as well as Andre Jones with 13 points and two boards.

The Cajuns led 42-24 at the half.

Athletic Network Footnote by Dr. Ed Dugas.

Men’s Basketball Reunion Slated for Jan. 13, 2018

LAFAYETTE – Former members of the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball program and their families are invited to participate in the 2018 Men’s Basketball Reunion that is scheduled for January 13, 2018 at the Cajundome.
 
All men’s basketball alums will be able to participate in a day of activities leading up to the Ragin’ Cajuns contest against ULM, scheduled for 7 p.m.
 
Activities include a tour of the Donald and Janice Mosing Student-Athlete Performance Center, watching the Ragin’ Cajuns during their afternoon shootaround, meeting the coaches and team and tickets to both the 4 p.m. women’s game and the men’s contest, which will include a halftime presentation.
 
To RSVP or for more information, please contact Melissa Minton at mminton@louisiana.edu. All alums are asked to include name, years played, mailing address and ticket request (up to 4).

For information and photos of previous men’s basketball reunions, click on www.athleticnetwork.net
Ragin’ Cajuns Reunions and Special Events
Scroll down to the basketball reunions beginning with 2018 and going down to 2001.

Athletic Network Footnote by Dr. Ed Dugas.
For information on the Men’s Basketball Reunion scheduled for Jan. 13, 2018, please click on the Ragin’ Cajuns Reunions and Special Events (banner on right side of the News Box at www.athleticnetwork.net) There you will find information on recognitions, schedule, tickets, etc. Dr. Bryan Maggard. Athletic Director,  and Coach Bob Marlin extend the invitation to all former Men’s Basketball Players, their families,  their support groups – including managers, athletic trainers, coaches, etc. Please help spread the word and RSVP to the request for information in the invitation, whether or not attending. Thanks.