Gradnigo’s 23, Johnson’s 21 helps Louisiana-Lafayette beat New Orleans 70-53

Louisiana-Lafayette defeats New Orleans 70-53

LAFAYETTE, La. — Chris Gradnigo scored 23 points, Tyren Johnson added 21 and Louisiana-Lafayette used a big second half run to beat New Orleans 70-53 on Thursday night.

The pair outscored New Orleans (7-12, 2-6 Sun Belt Conference) 20-0 during a 5:05 stretch midway through the second half.

After the Privateers took a 36-29 lead on Carl Blair’s three-point play with 16:50 left, the Ragin’ Cajuns (7-11, 4-3) went on their big run, capped by Johnson’s jumper with 10:45 to go.

Louisiana-Lafayette shot 52.9 percent from the field in the second half (18 of 34), compared to 27.8 percent (5 of 18) by New Orleans.

The Privateers had a season-high 22 turnovers, leading to 24 points for the Ragin’ Cajuns.

Blair scored 12 points and Ejike Hart and Charles Carmouche added 10 apiece for New Orleans. The Privateers lost their 13th straight and 15th straight at Louisiana-Lafayette’s Cajundome.