LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) — Bryan Mbamalu scored 16 points and Louisiana-Lafayette made critical foul shots in overtime to edge Arkansas State 68-65 Saturday night in Sun Belt Conference action.
The Ragin’ Cajuns (14-12, 8-4), who trailed 34-29 at halftime, rallied in the second half and nearly won it in regulation. But Marcus Hooten, who scored 14 points for Arkansas State (10-16, 4-7), hit a 3-pointer with 0:07 left to force overtime.
Louisiana-Lafayette outscored the Red Wolves 10-7 in OT to win it. Elfrid Payton hit a field goal and later a free throw to give the Ragin’ Cajuns the lead for good, 64-63.
Raymond McClellan, who came off the Louisiana-Lafayette bench to score 12 points, had four in overtime. He hit two foul shots with 1:19 left for a 66-63 lead. Brandon Peterson’s layup cut it to 66-65 with 2 seconds left, but Raymone Andrews’ two free throws with a second remaining iced it.