Robert Lee sparks his Ragin' Cajuns
Halftime talk uplifts players
Until he lost his voice, Louisiana's Ragin' Cajun coach Robert Lee had plenty to say about the way his team started Thursday night's game against South Alabama at the Cajundome.
Whatever he said, worked.
The Cajuns, who stumbled and bumbled their way to an uninspired 23-21 halftime deficit against the Jaguars, came roaring out of the locker room with a 20-3 surge to reverse momentum and pave the way for a 67-45 Sun Belt Conference victory.
By the time it was over, it was USA coach John Pelphrey who was left speechless, as he was ushered out on a double technical foul with 1:53 to play.
It was the largest UL margin of victory in the series with South Alabama, and the Jaguars' lowest point total in the Cajundome.
"The difference is, Coach lost his voice in the second half and he couldn't yell at us," said a smiling Tiras Wade, who led all scorers with 22 points and was his team's only offense for much of the first half. "We came out and got intensity.
"He told us he wanted effort, for us to lay it on the line and represent UL."
Wade was asked if it was easier to operate in the second half with Lee's voice gone.
"No," Wade said. "He could still give you that look. He'll stare you down. He'll get his point across."
Coupled with Western Kentucky's 84-79 victory over Denver, the win over USA moved the Cajuns back into a tie atop the Sun Belt Western Division with Denver with both teams at 8-2.
"He's had some amazing speeches in the past," said Brian Hamilton, who had 16 points (7-of-8 shooting) and 5 rebounds. "We responded. He told us to do whatever it takes and play on his level."
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Bruce Brown
bbrown@theadvertiser.com
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