MOBILE, Ala. — Louisiana-Lafayette forced South Alabama into a season-high 30 turnovers Wednesday night and beat the Jaguars 65-60 in Sun Belt Conference women’s basketball.
The loss was South Alabama’s third straight and its first at home in conference play this season. It also ended the Jaguars’ 10-game winning streak against the Ragin’ Cajuns.
Turnovers Prove Costly
Louisiana-Lafayette entered the game leading the Sun Belt in turnover margin and steals. The Ragin’ Cajuns recorded nine steals and scored 27 points off South Alabama’s 30 turnovers.
Second-Half Swings
South Alabama used a 10-0 run over about three minutes to take a 46-41 lead with 9:23 remaining. Louisiana-Lafayette answered with an 11-0 run in less than two minutes to go ahead 52-46 with 7:31 left.
The Jaguars pulled within one possession with 28.6 seconds remaining but could not convert on their late chances.
Jaguar Leaders
South Alabama (4-11, 2-3 Sun Belt) had three players score in double figures. Ronneka Robertson and Breanna Hall each scored 15 points.
Robertson shot 7 of 10 from the field and led the team with nine rebounds. Hall, a junior, made 4 of 10 field goals, including three 3-pointers, and made every free throw she attempted on her way to a career high.
Rachel Cumbo went 6 for 6 from the free-throw line and finished with 14 points.
The rest of the South Alabama roster shot 60 percent from the field but made just 2 of 10 free throws.
Cajuns’ Scoring
Brooklyn Arceneaux led all scorers with a career-high 19 points for Louisiana-Lafayette. She made 6 of 11 field goals and 7 of 11 free throws. Kia Wilridge posted her first career double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
The Ragin’ Cajuns attempted 11 more free throws than South Alabama and made 18 of 31.
Up Next
South Alabama hosts Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday at 5 p.m. The game will be televised on the Sun Belt Network.
