Louisiana Stuns Central Michigan in Major Upset, 85-80

In a shocking turn of events, Louisiana pulled off a monumental upset over Central Michigan, defeating the Chippewas 85-80 at the Cajundome. This victory is a significant statement for the Ragin' Cajuns, as they took down a team that, despite their record, had been trending upwards in recent weeks. The win is all the more impressive considering Louisiana's own struggles this season, with a record that now stands at 9-16.

De'Vion Lavergne was the star of the show for Louisiana, dropping 19 points to lead his team to victory. He was supported by Karris Bilal, who added 16 points, and Todd Jones Jr., who chipped in with 15 points and 7 rebounds. On the other side, Tamario Adley was the top performer for Central Michigan, scoring 21 points in a losing effort. Jaxson Whitaker and Logan McIntire also made significant contributions, each scoring 12 points.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Central Michigan taking a 42-38 lead into halftime. However, Louisiana came out strong in the second half, outscoring the Chippewas 47-38 to secure the win. The Ragin' Cajuns' second-half surge was fueled by their ability to capitalize on Central Michigan's mistakes, converting turnovers into points and pulling away late.

Before the game, CHD Scout had predicted a narrow Louisiana victory, with a projected score of 71-70 and a margin of 1.6 points. In the end, the Ragin' Cajuns exceeded expectations, winning by 5 points and validating the prediction. The fact that Louisiana was able to win by a wider margin than expected is a reflection of their resilience and determination.

This upset victory has real consequences for both teams' resumes. For Louisiana, the win is a much-needed boost, albeit still a Quadrant 4 victory. For Central Michigan, the loss is a setback, and it will be classified as a Quadrant 4 defeat. Given the teams' current net rankings, with Louisiana at 314 and Central Michigan at 301, this result will likely have a minimal impact on their overall tournament chances. However, for Louisiana, the win is a morale-booster and a reminder that they are capable of competing with anyone on their schedule.

The victory may not drastically alter Louisiana's tournament prospects, but it undoubtedly adds a notable win to their resume. As the season enters its final stretch, the Ragin' Cajuns want to build on this momentum, hoping to string together a few more upsets and make a push for a stronger postseason position. For now, they can bask in the glory of a hard-fought win over a tough opponent.