JONESBORO, Ark. (AP) Elfrid Payton sank a 3-pointer in the final 14 seconds to give Louisiana-Lafayette a winning 77-76 edge over Arkansas State on Saturday night.
Payton had 17 points overall. Shawn Long led the scoring for the Ragin' Cajuns (20-11, 11-7 Sun Belt) with 25 points and 11 rebounds.
Melvin Johnson III mounted a solo 11-2 run - including a trio of 3-pointers - midway through the first half to help Arkansas State to a 38-35 halftime lead.
In the second, Louisiana took a 43-40 advantage with 17:28 left before the Red Wolves responded with a 17-3 run to go up 57-46 with 12:28 to play. The Ragin' Cajuns kept it close with Xavian Rimmer, Shawn Long and Elfrid Payton hitting from beyond the arc until a final Payton 3 with 14 seconds left gave the team the winning one-point lead.
Johnson III led the Red Wolves (18-12, 10-8) with 28 points.
