Johnson scores 20 points to help Louisiana-Lafayette hold off North Texas 74-72

Louisiana-Lafayette defeats North Texas 74-72

LAFAYETTE, La. — Tyren Johnson scored 20 points and Louisiana Lafayette defeated North Texas 74-72 on Thursday.

Chris Gradnigo added 18 points, Randell Daigle had 14 and Johnson had two steals and two blocks for the Ragin’ Cajuns (4-11, 1-3 Sun Belt Conference).

The Ragin’ Cajuns scored 28 points off 22 turnovers and held the Mean Green to 34.8 percent shooting in the first half (8 of 23).

Daigle hit a 3-pointer to put Louisiana-Lafayette up 69-62 with 1:13 remaining. The Mean Green (9-6, 2-3) pulled within 72-70 on a 3 by Josh White with 12 seconds left, but couldn’t pull ahead.

Daigle sealed the win for the Ragin’ Cajuns on two free throws with 10 seconds left.

George Odufuwa had a double-double for North Texas, scoring 15 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.

Shannon Shorter, White and Richard Thomas scored 14 points each and Tristan Thomas added 11 for the Mean Green.