Box Score
LAFAYETTE, La. – Eastern Kentucky University had an early second half lead, but Louisiana came from behind to earn a 73-62 victory on Wednesday at the Cajundome.
In a game that saw 12 lead changes and six ties in the first 23 and a half minutes, Louisiana used an early second half run to seize control of the contest.
Devontae Blanton gave EKU a 32-31 lead on a lay-up with 16:55 left in the game. The Ragin' Cajuns responded with a 16-4 run. Kobe Julien started it with a jumper at the 16:28 mark, changing the lead for the 12th and final time. A 3-pointer from the left corner by
Tayshawn Comer tied it for the final time, 35-35. Louisiana wrapped up the game changing run on three straight free throws from Themus Fulks. The final made it a 47-36 game in favor of the home team with 11:54 to play.
The Colonels didn't go away. Down by 11, 49-38, EKU scored eight straight to close the gap to three.
Isaiah Cozart started it with a lay-up.
Turner Buttry knocked down a 3-pointer from the right wing.
Collin Cooper was fouled on a 3-point attempt and hit all three free throws, closing it to 49-46, with 9:53 on the clock.
EKU was still within three, 55-52, when Cozart hit a free throw with 7:16 to go. However, the Ragin' Cajuns scored six straight to go back up by nine. Kentrell Garnett's 3-pointer with 4:42 left pushed it back to a double-digit lead, 64-54.
Cozart had a team-best 16 points, nine rebounds and four blocks. Blanton had 14 points, four rebounds and a steal.
Fulks had a game-best 19 points to go along with four assists and three steals. Julien finished with 17 points.
The Colonels shot 40 percent from the field, but made just 29 percent from the 3-point range (5-for-17) and turned the ball over 19 times. Louisiana hit 60 percent of its shots in the second half and 43 percent for the game.
The Colonels will return home to host Northern Kentucky on Sunday at 4 p.m. Sunday will be EKU's Holiday Hoops Game, featuring photos with Santa, a balloon artist and in game holiday promotions.
