The Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns square off against the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders in the first round of the CIT tournament at Cajun Dome. The game starts at 8:00 pm ET on Wednesday, Mar. 16.
The Ragin’ Cajuns lost to Little Rock 72-65 in the 3 of the Sun Belt tournament. Shawn Long finished with 25 points to lead the game. The Islanders, meanwhile, are coming off an ugly 82-60 loss at the hands of Stephen F. Austin in the 4 of the Southland tournament. Joe Kilgore had a team-high 14 points.
The Ragin’ Cajuns look to build on their records of 17-14 Straight Up (SU) and 11-16 Against The Spread (ATS). They are 8-2 SU and winless ATS (0-2) in their last 10 games. The rebounding edge goes to the Ragin’ Cajuns in this matchup, who are one of the top rebounding teams in the nation with an average of 41.6 boards per game. Louisiana-Lafayette’s three-point defense can be considered one of the best in the nation, allowing just 6.0 three-pointers per game. Expect Louisiana-Lafayette to have lots of opportunities at the line against the Islanders, who are one of the most foul-prone teams in the nation with an average of 21.6 fouls per game.
Across the court, the Islanders are unsuccessful ATS with a 1-6 record even though they have a 25-7 SU record. Most recently, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi is a meager 3-7 ATS over the last 10 games. The Islanders are shooting lights out from the foul line so far, with a .737 free throw percentage that ranks 41st in Division I. The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi defense has been a problem for competitors, allowing only .413 shooting from the field to its opponents.
This game will be the first meeting for Louisiana-Lafayette and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in recent seasons.
Predictions: SU Winner – Louis, ATS Winner – Louis
Notes
The Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns rank 72nd for their offensive rating of 110.8. The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders have a defensive rating of 99.2 (ranked 32nd).
On average, Louisiana-Lafayette has 71.7 possessions per game and scores 1.108 points on each possession. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi has both fewer possessions (69.2) and scores fewer points during those possessions (1.064).
The Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns average an effective field goal percentage of 49.7% this season. The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders have a winning 9-5 record in games where opponents have an eFG% of 49.7% or greater.
On average, Louisiana-Lafayette attempts 21.0 three pointers and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi attempts 19.0. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns are 10-8 while the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders have a solid 11-4 record.
Ranked eighth in the nation, Louisiana-Lafayette averages 41.6 rebounds per game. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi ranks lower at 226th with 35.2 RPG.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi ranks 121st in offensive rebounds, while Louisiana-Lafayette ranks at 43rd in defensive rebounds.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi is one of the best in the country in forcing turnovers, with opponents averaging a TO% of 23.5% (ranked third). Louisiana-Lafayette is an even 1-1 SU when it has a TO% of 23.5% or greater.
