Louisiana-Lafayette (13-4, 7-3) vs. Arkansas State (6-9, 3-5)
First National Bank Arena, Jonesboro, Arkansas; Friday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Louisiana-Lafayette looks for its sixth straight conference win against Arkansas State. Louisiana-Lafayette’s last Sun Belt loss came against the Texas-Arlington Mavericks 91-86 on Jan. 15. Arkansas State lost 65-64 loss at home against Texas-Arlington in its most recent game.
TEAM LEADERSHIP: Norchad Omier is putting up a double-double (12.3 points and 11.5 rebounds) to lead the way for the Red Wolves. Marquis Eaton is also a key facilitator, maintaining an average of 11.7 points and 4.3 assists per game. The Ragin’ Cajuns are led by Cedric Russell, who is averaging 17.9 points.
TAKE IT UP A NOTCH: The Red Wolves have scored 72.9 points per game across eight conference games, an improvement from the 61.3 per game they put up against non-conference competition.CLUTCH CEDRIC: Russell has connected on 39 percent of the 123 3-pointers he’s attempted and has made 13 of 23 over the last three games. He’s also converted 73.4 percent of his foul shots this season.
WINLESS WHEN: Arkansas State is 0-7 this year when it scores 72 points or fewer and 6-2 when it scores at least 73.
PERFECT WHEN: Louisiana-Lafayette is a perfect 9-0 when its defense holds opponents to a field goal percentage of 41.8 percent or less. The Ragin’ Cajuns are 4-4 when allowing opponents to shoot any better than that.
DID YOU KNOW: Arkansas State attempts more free throws per game than any other Sun Belt team. The Red Wolves have averaged 22.7 foul shots per game this season.
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