It’s a great way to start Women’s History Month. The Louisiana Women’s Basketball team took on Southern Miss on Friday, March 1 for their last home game of the season. Within this game the Cajuns kicked off the month by honoring the WBB Mentors and women organizations in the community.
The Cajuns started off strong in the first half by leading with a 3-pointer shot by Brandi Williams following with an assist by Tamera Johnson. Ending the first quarter with a score of 6–9 (Cajuns up).
As the second quarter began, Uniyah Franklin made a jumper assisted by Tamiah Robinson. The Cajuns kept the lead by ending the half 18–20 right at halftime.
During halftime, the team recognized WBB Mentors, some great and beautiful women who were noticed for their commitments to the University.
Unfortunately, the Cajuns allowed Southern Miss to make a comeback in the third quarter.
By the end, the Cajuns were short by 2 points, leaving the score at 30–28. The start of the fourth quarter was not looking the best either when USM continued their lead and had a 10-point gap in between.
Luckily, the Cajuns came with an excruciating comeback, tying the score 46–all causing them to go into overtime. With overtime being five minutes, the Cajuns continued and truly fought to the finish.
Tamiah Robinson hit the game-winner with 1.5 seconds remaining. Trailing by as many as four in overtime with 21 seconds left, the Cajuns (15–13, 10–8 SBC) began the comeback as Brandi Williams made a pair of free throws to cut the lead to 57–55.
After forcing a five-second inbound violation with seven seconds left to play, Robinson took the inbound pass and drove to the free-throw line where she made the jumper to tie the game and drew a foul. With ice in her veins, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native converted from the charity swipe to give Louisiana the win.
Southern Miss (17–12, 10–8) led by as many as 12 in the fourth with 6:51 left before the Cajuns went on a 15–2 run to take a 43–42 advantage with 2:38 remaining. Williams sparked the run with a jumper and a 3-pointer before Tamera Johnson hit a pair of free throws.
Williams then hit another 3-pointer and converted the four-point play, trimming the lead to three. Destiny Rice closed out the run, making four consecutive free throws. Williams led the Cajun offense with a team-high 20 points as Rice finished with 11. Robinson added nine points to go along with a game-high eight rebounds.
The game leaders, starting with Brandi Willams who had 20 points, 5 FGM, 4 3FGM and 6 FTM, following her was Rice Destiny who had 11 points, 3 FGM and 5 FTM.
Coming in the third spot is Tamiah Robinson with 9 points, 3 FGM and 3 FTM. The last player is Jaylyn James, who had 7 points, 3 FGM and 1 3FGM.
The women not only show excellent teamwork, but you can see the love they have for each other on the court. The chemistry of the game they have is unmatched. Naturally, it is predicted and hoped that the Cajuns will come out on top for their next game.
Their drive and determination shall get them there and allow them to end their 2024 season with a bang.
Finally, a huge congratulations to head coach Garry Broadhead on his 200th career victory as the Louisiana women’s basketball team won an overtime thriller against Southern Miss.
With the win, Louisiana earned the No. 7 seed in the Sun Belt Tournament and will square off against 10th-seeded Arkansas State on Tuesday, March 5.