Slow start subdues Cajuns
<blockquote><p align=justify>Advertisers-Dan McDonald / Staff Writer
LAFAYETTE - Louisiana head basketball coach Jessie Evans has repeatedly said how important it is to get out to a good start on the road.
The Ragin' Cajuns did that on Friday night in the opening round of the EA Sports Golden Bear Classic, and then took over in the closing minutes in a 68-62 win over Detroit Mercy.
Late Saturday night, they didn't get off to a good start, and Cal's Golden Bears made them pay.
The hosts led by as many as 14 points in the first seven minutes, and the Cajuns rarely got back within single digits after that in a 77-61 loss in the tournament finals.
"When you're on the road, it's imperative that you get going early," Evans said after the Cajuns had one field goal and five turnovers in the first seven minutes. "We were never really under control even though we got back within striking distance a couple of times."
The Cajuns (5-3) got the margin back to seven points in each half, but that was as close as it got thanks mostly to Cal's 56 percent shooting from the field and UL Lafayette's 21 turnovers. Saturday's tourney final was the first time in eight games this year that the Cajuns had more turnovers than their opponents, and the Bears scored 23 points off those mistakes.
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"The bad thing is that a number of our turnovers were unforced," Evans said. "That really breaks your back."
The Cajuns also lost some backbone when sophomore center Michael Southall picked up his third and fourth fouls early in the second half and eventually fouled out with more than five minutes left. He finished with only seven points.
"Foul trouble changes the way you play," Evans said. "Other guys have to step up. It's not making excuses, but when the big guy gets in foul trouble it makes a difference.
"But that happens. We've got to do a better job in a lot of other areas, especially getting our shooters open."
UL Lafayette won't have a lot of time to work on those other areas. After a brief holiday break, the squad will regroup for a Christmas evening practice and departs the next day for Charlotte, N.C., and three rugged games in the Pepsi Holiday Classic.
The Cajuns will face Colorado at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Loyola-Chicago at 4 p.m. Saturday and host Charlotte at 4 p.m. Sunday in the final non-league games before the beginning of Sun Belt Conference play. UL Lafayette hosts red-hot New Mexico State on Jan. 2 in its next home game and in its league opener.
"Every game from here on out has the potential to be tougher than the previous one," Evans said. "A lot of the teams in the Charlotte tournament and in our early conference season are getting some big wins, so it's going to be a challenge."
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Greetings from Charlotte!
Hey everyone! Just wondering if any Ragin' Cajuns would be making the trip with their team to Charlotte this coming weekend for the Pepsi Classic.
Little bit about us -- We're 4-3 right now, coming off two home wins last week against Miami and Southern Illinois. We're 4-0 at home, and 0-3 on the road. We rely heavily on the outside shot, as we have no one on our team taller than 6-8.
Anyway, if any of you are coming, have a safe trip to Charlotte. I'll be at your game against Colorado on Friday. Good luck!
