UL Lafayette Routs Southern 56-39 at Home
Injuries and illness left UL Lafayette shorthanded in a low-scoring win over Southern of New Orleans.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Basketball
UL Lafayette defeated Southern of New Orleans 56-39 on Monday at home in a game featuring 41 turnovers. The Ragin' Cajuns shot just 24.1% from the field and 20% from three-point range, but made 21 of 28 free throws.
Why it matters
The win extends UL Lafayette's early-season start while the team works through injuries that have thinned its roster. Ongoing availability questions will shape how the team approaches its next road test.
UL Lafayette made 21 of 28 free throws while shooting 24.1% from the field and 20% from three-point range, against Southern's 28.6% and 13.3% marks. The Ragin' Cajuns won the boards 45-32, with Derrick Florence adding 10 rebounds off the bench, though the status of several injured players for Friday remains uncertain.
The players
UL Lafayette
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette, whose men's basketball program competes as the Ragin' Cajuns in the Sun Belt Conference.
Southern University at New Orleans
A historically Black public university in New Orleans whose athletic teams compete as the Southern Jaguars in NCAA Division I.
The details
Missing several players to injury and illness, UL Lafayette used an early press to force turnovers in a game with 41 combined giveaways, 24 by the visitors. Jeremiah Evans fouled out after 16 minutes on the floor, and eight Ragin' Cajuns were dressed.
Timeline
Monday, November 9, 2026: UL Lafayette defeats Southern of New Orleans 56-39 at home.
Friday, November 13, 2026: UL Lafayette plays UNC Wilmington in a road game.
Season Trajectory
The result fits a familiar early-season pattern for Sun Belt programs, where depth shortfalls force reliance on rebounding and free-throw volume rather than efficient shooting. Whether the Ragin' Cajuns can sustain that approach on the road at UNC Wilmington on Friday will indicate how far their current form can carry them.
Fantasy and bracket watchers should note that several UL Lafayette rotation players are in concussion protocol or ill, which could change minutes distribution before Friday. Anyone tracking the Ragin' Cajuns should expect the status updates ahead of the UNC Wilmington trip to determine the lineup.
The takeaway
Depth and health can matter as much as talent in early-season college basketball, and a team that wins the glass and the free-throw line can survive a cold shooting night. Fans should watch the injury reports closely before Friday's road game.
What happens next
UL Lafayette is scheduled to play UNC Wilmington in a road game on Friday, November 13, 2026, when the availability of its injured players will be tested.
Further reading
For more on the program's season, see Basketball coverage across the site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Advocate.
