LAFAYETTE — Cedric Russell scored 19 of his 22 Wednesday in the second half of Louisiana's 77-74 win over Arkansas State.
Louisiana trailed 71-70 with 35-seconds to play when Russell hit the game-winning three. It was just his second three of the night.
The Cajuns began the second half trailing by 12 after a poor shooting first half. Louisiana shot just 26-percent and connected on 3 of its 17 three-point attempts. After the game players said at halftime Coach Bob Marlin said the team was letting the Red Wolves "off the hook," with regard to inside scoring.
The Cajuns turned to the paint in the final 20-minutes scoring 24 points there, still though, Louisiana needed a Cedric Russell three to win.
"It's good to see them enjoy a win like this," said Marlin. "We talked about it at halftime and early in the second half, this could be the best win of the year and the best comeback we've had in a long time and I'm really proud of them."
The win moves Cajuns into a tie for eighth place with Coastal Carolina, who they will face in the season finale Tuesday.
Marquis Eaton scored a game high 28 points for Arkansas State.