Final: Louisiana (83) at UALR (79)

[ManAboutTown]

Ok...first of all, let's remember that the toughest thing to do in sports is win on the road in college basketball. Therefore, every road win is precious.

Second, since UALR has been playing in the Jack Stephens Center (this is their 10th season) they have been VERY tough to beat at home. (The Cajuns were 2-7 there and 7-13 overall in Little Rock before last night's game)

Third..Steve Shields' teams will ALWAYS be hard to beat at home because of the way they defend. UALR will win PLENTY of games in the league at home.

If you listened to the game last night, you'll know that we had a spurt in the second half where everything we threw up went in the basket. We were shooting over 60% in the second half before the drought started. During the drought we had some open looks that we had made earlier and just didn't make during that stretch. And, we missed some shots inside because UALR was able to force us out of position (we do play against another team, not against air.) and they deserve some credit for that.

A team that lacks mental toughness doesn't recover from going more than ten minutes with just one field goal. This team did.

THe Cajuns won last night getting virtually nothing from Brian Williams. When that happens,someone has to step up. In this case, the two freshmen showed great maturity. Both were instrumental in the win.

It's easy to look at the box score and say this team was a two man show last night. But if you did more than that, you'll know this was a serious team win last night.

And, oh, by the way....since 03-04, UALR has won five division titles. They are hardly a donkey team or donkey program.

Well Jay, I always respect your critiques and perspective. And of course, as the season progresses, I'll revisit this game with a better understanding. The freshmen are encouraging, and literally right after I questioned the teams stones, the turned around and showed some. A fantastic turn of events, and I'll take my lashes anytime positives come from perceived negatives on the field/court/diamond. Perhaps its impatience, IDK. Last year was a taste of the old times, and I want nothing more than for that train to get going.

Or maybe EXPRESS has poisoned the waterhole..?

I kid.

Happy New Year to all you guys.

[Ragin4U]

road win, in conference...im good

+1

[California Cajun]

Just an outstanding game!

[BirdofParadise]

Actually, I have zero disdain for Coach Marlin.

I have higher expectations on our ultimate mountain climb in bb than the foothills of the Alps. I just see no evidence in year five that we are beyond the foothills.

I hope Marlin proves my doubts unfounded, and he has a great career at UL. I have nothing but the best wishes for the man. Doubting him is not disdain.

My comment is based on something you said last year about Marlin taking the University's money.

Of course, my admiration for Coach Marlin is well documented LOL

Happy New Year to you and yours.

[BirdofParadise]

I would bet that Cajun Express thinks every team in the SBC is weak other than Georgia State when you compare them to some teams of the past. He is comparing the league to the other 300 D1 schools in general. Personally, I don't know enough about the league this year to make a comparison.

Well, he's absolutely right. This league is terrible. And, it's getting worse. As more emphasis is put on football, more money flows there. And, in most cases that happens at the expense of other sports including basketball. We've lost the good programs to other conferences...but even with that, teams like UNT, Middle, Western, et. al, aren't as good as they were.

Georgia State is good. But how good will they be once RJ and Harrow are gone?

But it's not just the Sun Belt. Remember when CUSA was a top eight league. They're languishing around #20 as we speak.

THe Sun Belt? Only the SWAC, MEAC and the WAC are rated worse.

BUt it could be even worse.

We could be New Mexico STate.

[RaginDave]

Nicely done, Dave. Am I going to see you Monday night??

Yes. You still have my number.

[cajun4life]

The G-- Damn conference is a cellar dweller. No one in this league should be beating us with regularity, or really anyone else for that matter, home or away. It's a BS cover. Cajuns were dominating that game, and as usual, blew the lead. I don't know if its a coaching philosophy or what, but its a theme with this team for years now.

And making the Tourney doesn't make you NOT a cellar dweller. Bad programs make the tourney every year. Didn't they have an 11 win team in the play in game last year?

I agree with that!

[ZoomZoom]

THe Sun Belt? Only the SWAC, MEAC and the WAC are rated worse.

That's the rub with the older fans who know what it like to have a team that could compete on the national level. So many leagues have moved up to D-1 and all have surpassed us. Even with EP and Hunter in the league, our conference sucks.

[CajunRage]

That's the rub with the older fans who know what it like to have a team that could compete on the national level. So many leagues have moved up to D-1 and all have surpassed us. Even with EP and Hunter in the league, our conference sucks.

Have we competed nationally since before the death penalty? (I wasn't alive then...)

[ZoomZoom]

Strong enough to get an at large NCAA bid. We would have gatherings at homes on selection Sunday. Knew we were in either the NCAA or NIT. From off death penalty thru Bobby P; not all years were great, but we were competitive. Though some use Marty as a measuring stick for "good" Cajun basketball, many view him as the beginning of the decline. This slide began long before any football push. Our non conference schedule now is a complete joke compared to back then.