Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns: NCAA Tournament Profile

By Kels Dayton
- Tweet
- Pin It
Updated: March 16, 2014

Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns (23-11, 11-7 Sun Belt)-The Ragin’ Cajuns outlasted Georgia State in overtime on Selection Sunday to advance to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in nine years. Point guard Elfrid Payton was the key, coming up with a late steal to send the gaam. Though only a junior Payton is an NBA prospect and could end up being a first round pick if he comes out for the draft.

Payton averages 19.1 points and 6 assists per game while also coming up with 2.3 steals per. Much of the offense runs through him, though 6-8 forward Shawn Long (18.7 ppg, 10.5 rpg) will command plenty of attention on scouting reports as well.

Guard Bryant Mbamalu (12.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg) is another key factor for the Cajuns. Lafayette plays a fast, up-tempo style and ranks 13th nationally in points per game at 81.4. They don’t play great defense, but they can get out and run with the best of them. They like to allow Payton to make plays in the open court.

KEY STATS:

13th Points per Game (81.4)

39th Rebounds per Game (38.0)

48th Field Goal Percentage (.469)