This is part of the Sunbelt Challenge and the first meeting ever with the Rajin Cajuns. In November Miami won big at home vs App State and Louisiana lost by 2 at Northern Illinois. Our turn to go on the road, and while Louisiana is only 10-11(6-6), they are 8-3 at home. Miami is 13-8 ( 6-5) and 5-5 away from home. However, this is the first game of a 5 away 1 home stretch for our RedHawks.
Garry Broadhead is in his 11th season at Louisiana with a 169-136 record. Last year the won 18 games. Earlier this week they won a home game vs Marshall in OT 92-88. They average 63.5 and give up 63.1. Miami averages 66.0 and gives up 55.8, which is the best defensive number in the MAC and 25th nationally.
6-0 SR Guard Erica Lafayette averages 15.1 points and 4.6 rebounds. She hit a 3 to send the Marshall game to OT. In that game she had a career high 26 points. 6-3 GS Skylar Travis had 14/11 vs Marshal, but Lafayette is the only Cajun averaging in double digits.
Miami is led by Enjulina Gonzalez averaging 17.3 ppg and 43.8% on 3’s, 2nd in the MAC. Amber Tretter averages 10.9/7.8 and is 5th in the MAC in rebounds and 6th in blocks. Maya Chandler averages 9.9ppg.
I think (from memory only) the MAC women went 8-4 in our home games back in November, so if that is right we would need at least a 5-7 record on the road to win the Challenge.
Very few schools with our level of resources have a broadcaster as talented and prepared as Bake. We’re really fortunate that he opted to be a Miami lifer.
OT. Officials have absolutely screwed us. LA player drives the lane and separates from Maya by putting a forearm in her chest and pushing her back 3 feet. No call.
