In a stunning turn of events, Louisiana pulled off a monumental upset at the Mitchell Center, taking down South Alabama 59-56. The Ragin' Cajuns, sporting a 5-16 record, were massive underdogs against the 14-6 Jaguars, but they refused to back down. This victory will be remembered as one of the biggest upsets of the season, with Louisiana's 339 net ranking dwarfed by South Alabama's 200.
The game was a closely contested affair from the start, with Louisiana taking a slim 26-25 lead into halftime. Chaze Harris was unstoppable for South Alabama, scoring 18 points to lead all Jaguars. However, Jaxon Olvera and the Ragin' Cajuns had other plans. Olvera poured in 14 points, while Milan Mejia added 13 and De'Vion Lavergne chipped in 12 points and 5 assists. The trio's combined effort proved too much for South Alabama to handle.
As the second half unfolded, Louisiana continued to push the pace, outscoring South Alabama 33-31. The Jaguars' Adam Olsen did his best to keep his team afloat, grabbing 9 rebounds to go along with his 9 points, but it wasn't enough. Jayden Cooper's 11 points were also a notable contribution for South Alabama, but the team's overall effort fell short.
The significance of this upset cannot be overstated. South Alabama, with their impressive 14-6 record, were expected to cruise past the struggling Ragin' Cajuns. Instead, Louisiana's victory will send shockwaves through the college basketball world. This result will undoubtedly have major implications for both teams' tournament chances.
Without a pre-game prediction to speak of, this outcome caught many by surprise. The fact that Louisiana was able to overcome such a significant disparity in net ranking is a reflection of their determination and grit. As the season wears on, this win will be a crucial addition to the Ragin' Cajuns' resume.
In terms of resume implications, this result is a Quadrant 3 win for Louisiana, a much-needed boost to their tournament profile. Conversely, it's a devastating Quadrant 4 loss for South Alabama, a game they were expected to win handily. The Jaguars must regroup and refocus to avoid letting this upset derail their season. For Louisiana, this monumental upset serves as a beacon of hope, proving that even the biggest underdogs can rise to the occasion and achieve greatness. As the Ragin' Cajuns continue their season, this victory will be a defining moment, one that could potentially propel them towards a more successful stretch run.