Louisiana-Lafayette earns the Sun Belt Conference's automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament, defeating Georgia State in overtime, 82-81. The Rajin' Cajuns overcame an 11-point deficit to tie the game at the end of regulation on Bryant Mbamalu's lay-in.
Louisiana-Lafayette wins 2014 Sun Belt Conference basketball tournament: Cajuns beat Georgia State in overtime, 82-81
Lafayette has reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2005.
Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports
Xavian Rimmer scored 27 points for the Cajuns, including their final two points at the free-throw line in overtime. Shawn Long finished with a double-double, hauling in 14 rebounds in addition to 11 points. The Cajuns had a distinct rebounding advantage, out-rebounding the Panthers 46-30.
The backcourt provided the offense for Georgia State, as Ryan Harrow scored a game-high 37 points and R.J. Hunter tallied 17.
Lafayette reaches the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2005. The Cajuns finished the 2013-2014 regular season in third place in the Sun Belt Conference, having lost to regular season champion Georgia State twice.
The last Sun Belt team to advance past the Round of 64 was Western Kentucky, who made a run to the Sweet 16 in 2008 after beating Drake and San Diego.
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