The Book: 2006-2007 Ragin' Cajuns Basketball

[NewsCopy]

Another moral victory, but another loss for UL's Ragin' Cajun basketball team. And, another instance of the Cajuns digging themselves an early hole. This time, though, UL can point at the reason for the early deficit, one that gave Tennessee's Volunteers enough room to take a 77-67 victory Monday at the Cajundome. That reason was Chris Lofton. Tennessee's junior guard gunned in 31 points, including hitting seven-of-11 shots from three-point range, and personally put Monday's game on his back in the final seven minutes. No other Volunteer had a field goal in the final 10 minutes, and none needed to as Lofton hit a series of big shots to help hold off a hard charge by the host Cajuns - a charge that, just like its recent games against Oral Roberts and Cal State Fullerton, fell short. The rest of the story Dan McDonald dmcdonald@theadvertiser.com

[NewsCopy]

LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) -- Chris Lofton scored 31 points, including seven 3-point baskets, to lead Tennessee to a 77-67 win over Louisiana-Lafayette Monday night. Lofton had three straight baskets for the Volunteers (5-2) in a five-minute period late in the second half, helping UT hold on after the Ragin' Cajuns (1-4) had whittled as much as a 17-point deficit down to two points with 4:24 left on an Adam James free throw. Lofton hit his seventh and final 3-pointer 30 seconds later and Tennessee led by at least five points the rest of the way. JaJuan Smith added 11 points for Tennessee, which snapped a three-game losing streak. Ross Mouton had 22 points to lead four double-figure scorers for the Cajuns, who lost their fourth straight game. David Dees added 18 points, Rhett Hebert 12 and Valentino Hart 10 along with a game-high 16 rebounds. The rest of the story ESPN.com

[CajunKahouna]

WOW! What a game!

If the team keeps up with the hustle and the quality, unselfish and dedicated play I witnessed last night, Robert Lee will make a convert out of me for sure!

The creaux is in the oven. I sure hope it ain't too tough!

Oh, and by the way for all you "pepper haters, Cayenne was there last night too. :P

[CajunCharlie]

The team seems to improve with each game. Tonight, we were outclassed with talent and we still took Tenessee down to the wire (well, almost the wire). Everytime we made a run, Lofton would drain a 3, even with a hand in his face. He's the real deal. Our defense at crucial junctures needs to improve.

I was glad to see several Cajuns in double figures and Hart grabbing 18 boards. If this team can play with similar intensity in conference play, the other Sun Belt schools are in trouble. If they can add some extra focus to that intensity...well...good things will hapen. GEAUX CAJUNS. Beat Nevada

Our guys must be in real good physical shape. The Vols have depth ane they used it. The Cajuns basically played with seven, but did not seem to lose a step.

They are coming on, and I am going to be there to watch them turn the corner!!

[Duggie35]

I am very much encouraged with the direction that Coach Lee has this program headed. I am not expecting any miracles, but it is clear that a solid foundation is being layed. As long as our guys continue to play with the effort and intensity they have given so far this season, I think we will be pleasently surprised at how things may go when we get into conference play. If V. Hart continues to hit the boards like he did last night and we can find another consistant 8 - 12 point scorer, this team has a chance to make some noise in the Sun belt!

[Cajun Express]

I see this team getting better and better.

Yep you are right, down by 17 and fought real hard to get it to a single three point field goal, but alas no brass ring. Coach Lee has the core of a very good team. This year will be a lot better than many thought prior to the start of the season. No wins against 1A teams yet, and our best shot will be Saturday against LTU if we cannot upset Nevada. No matter, I think we need to continue to back the team and that always involves a little glass of Kool-Aid.

[Cajun Express]

I am very much encouraged with the direction that Coach Lee has this program headed. I am not expecting any miracles, but it is clear that a solid foundation is being layed. As long as our guys continue to play with the effort and intensity they have given so far this season, I think we will be pleasently surprised at how things may go when we get into conference play. If V. Hart continues to hit the boards like he did last night and we can find another consistant 8 - 12 point scorer, this team has a chance to make some noise in the Sun belt!

You do realize 5 of 8 recruits are not on the team due to grade issues of one sort or another. Now if Jesse had the same situation I can just recall some of the jeers. No matter, Robert took the bitter pill and took a lot of freshman. I think we will eventually get all of them, and the foundation is set for next year, and every year after that.

[Cajun Express]

Our guys must be in real good physical shape. The Vols have depth ane they used it. The Cajuns basically played with seven, but did not seem to lose a step.

They are coming on, and I am going to be there to watch them turn the corner!!

I don't know how many hit the floor, but in pre game warm ups they had 15, yes more suited up than are allowed on scholarships. I guess you can have as many on the team and travel squad as you like, just without a scholarship.

[Ewhite]

WOW! What a game!

If the team keeps up with the hustle and the quality, unselfish and dedicated play I witnessed last night, Robert Lee will make a convert out of me for sure!

The creaux is in the oven. I sure hope it ain't too tough!

Oh, and by the way for all you "pepper haters, Cayenne was there last night too. :P

That made me smile...Not much has done that today.

[RaginEsquire06]

Hey round ball fans....there are some very nice pictures of the game posted on the Vol's basketball website! Adam James, Dees, Mouton and Wallace are all included! Very Nice.....Follow the link below and click on the "photo gallery."


Visit: http://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-ba...112706aaa.html

[NewsCopy]

When experience battles inexperience, it's usually not much of a battle. UL's basketball squad made it a battle into the second half, but eventually Nevada's experience - and Marcelus Kemp and Nick Fazekas - were too much to handle. The 24th-ranked and undefeated Wolf Pack used a 16-2 run midway through the second half to break open a close contest, and eventually prevailed in an 86-74 decision over the Ragin' Cajuns. UL (1-5) dropped its fifth straight contest, and for the fifth time the Cajuns kept a favored opponent within range. This time, though, the Wolf Pack (5-0) was simply too deep and too talented. "They've got a lot deeper team than we do," said Cajun coach Robert Lee. "They've been to the NCAA Tournament and they've been 23-5 on the road the last two years. They're just better than we are right now." The rest of the story Dan McDonald dmcdonald@theadvertiser.com

[RaginFan2]

Both the Nevada and Tennessee coaches had praise for the Cajuns after the game. All we seem to need is more experience. Now we're getting it against quality opponents. We are about to turn the proverbial corner, and start winning some games. Great effort (again), Cajuns! Keep it up and correct the mistakes.