Deng powers Louisiana-Monroe past Louisiana-Lafayette, 81-70
MONROE, La. (AP) Majok Deng scored 30 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Louisiana-Monroe to an 81-70 win over Louisiana-Lafayette Thursday night in the Sun Belt Conference opener for both schools.
Deng converted a 3-point play with 3:09 left in the first half, hit a jumper with 1:39 remaining and hit the first of two free throws to send the Warhawks (4-2, 1-0) into intermission with an 11-point lead they maintained the rest of the way.
Deng was 8 of 14 from the field, including 3 of 5 from the arc, and 11 of 13 from the free throw line. Nick Coppola scored 19 points and dished off seven assists and Jamaal Samuel and Justin Roberson added 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Tyrone Wooten scored 12 points off the bench to lead the Ragin' Cajuns (2-3, 0-1) and Shawn Long, Jay Wright and Jay Hedgeman each added 10 points.
