Louisiana stifles outside game of ASU in big victory

LOUISIANA La. — Arkansas State has lived and died on the perimeter during the 2003-04 men’s basketball season, with the Indians’ four-guard rotation accounting for nearly 60 points per game.

In the second half Thursday night, Louisiana turned that perimeter into a virtual demilitarized zone ... an area that the timid dare not tread.

ASU’s starting three guards combined for four field goals in the second half, and the Indians finished the game with 20 turnovers — 18 of them from the guard positions.

With those numbers, it came as no surprise that the Cajuns rolled to a 20-point 82-62 Sun Belt Conference-clinching victory over the Tribe. And there was no question that the Cajuns’ exterior defense made the win, and the title, possible.

“They’re so athletic out there that they can do that,” said ASU coach Dickey Nutt, whose team finds itself needing a win at New Mexico State Saturday to secure a slot in the Sun Belt Tournament. “When you look at guys out there that are that athletic, it’s tough. They’re 6-6, 6-7 and they can still guard your guards.”

The Indians were within three points (32-29) at halftime and were still that close three minutes into the second half before the Cajuns scored field goals on seven straight possessions.

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Dan McDonald
dmcdonald@lafayette.gannett.com