LAFAYETTE — After two successful tune-up games in preparation for the 2019-20 campaign, Louisiana officially opens the season on Thursday night when it welcomes Loyola (New Orleans) to the Cajundome for a 6 p.m. tip.
Louisiana has been extremely successful in season openers under eighth-year head coach Garry Brodhead, boasting a 6-1 record in those contests.
The Ragin' Cajuns got the year off to a good start with exhibition victories over Mississippi College (73-65) on Oct. 28 and Spring Hill College (85-48) on Nov. 1. Sophomore Diamond Morrison and newcomer Makayia Hallmon led the way offensively for the team, scoring in double figures in both games.
Both exhibition games also allowed for Louisiana's new faces to get valuable minutes, most notably Caira Wren, who averaged 21 minutes in the post in the absence of Ty'Reona Doucet.
Louisiana welcomes back its entire squad from the 2018-19 season, including reigning Freshman of the Year Brandi Williams and the teams scoring and rebounding leader in Doucet, while welcoming back two key pieces in Kimberly Burton and Jasmine Thomas as well as four newcomers.
Loyola (New Orleans) has already opened its season, claiming two victories over the University of the Virgin Islands. Kennedy Hansberry led the way in the first game on Nov. 3 with 14 points and six assists, while Taylor Thomas led the Wolf Pack with 24 points, four assists and two rebounds in the team's Nov. 5 victory.
Kaila Anthony returns for her senior season after averaging 16.3 points and 4.3 rebounds as a junior. A starter in all 27 games a year ago, she scored in double figures in all but two contests.
The two programs will be meeting for the first time in the regular season when they take the court on Thursday. The last time the teams face off was on Oct. 30, 2013, when Louisiana edged out Loyola (New Orleans), 77-65, in exhibition play at the Cajundome.
Women's Basketball season tickets, as well as single game tickets, for the 2019-20 season are available online at RaginCajuns.com using Account Manager, or by calling the Louisiana Athletics Ticket Office at (337) 265-2170.
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