Gant, Stroman each score 21, lead Louisiana past Troy, 86-81
LAFAYETTE, La. -- JaKeenan Gant and Marcus Stroman each scored 21 points and Louisiana-Lafayette rallied late to beat Troy 86-81 in a Sun Belt battle on Saturday night.
The Ragin' Cajuns won their second straight game, the first time they have put together back-to-back wins since they beat McNeese and Southeastern Louisiana in December.
Javan Johnson made two free throws and followed them with a 3-pointer to put Troy in front, 66-62 with 8:19 left. Cedric Russell tied the game at 76-76, and after the teams traded baskets, and then Stroman put the Ragin' Cajuns in front for good with a layup. Justin Miller and Stroman each hit two free throws down the stretch to protect the lead.
Gant was 4-for-4 from distance and grabbed 10 rebounds for Louisiana-Lafayette (13-7, 4-3). Stroman dished seven assists.
Varnado finished with 33 points and 11 rebounds for Troy while Alex Hicks and Johnson each added 20 points.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Henry Howard
- K.B. Burdett
- Matt Jarman
2023-24 Sun Belt Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appalachian State | 16-2 | - | 27-7 |
| James Madison | 15-3 | 1 | 32-4 |
| Troy | 13-5 | 3 | 20-12 |
| Arkansas State | 11-7 | 5 | 20-17 |
| Louisiana | 10-8 | 6 | 19-14 |
| Southern Miss | 9-9 | 7 | 16-16 |
| South Alabama | 8-10 | 8 | 16-16 |
| Georgia State | 8-10 | 8 | 14-17 |
| Georgia Southern | 8-10 | 8 | 9-24 |
| Texas State | 7-11 | 9 | 17-18 |
| Marshall | 7-11 | 9 | 13-20 |
| UL Monroe | 6-12 | 10 | 11-19 |
| Coastal Carolina | 5-13 | 11 | 9-22 |
| Old Dominion | 3-15 | 13 | 7-25 |
Men's College Basketball News
