Brodhead Sets New Benchmark With Ragin’ Cajuns Basketball

A win always feels good, but a win to set a new record always feels a little different for everyone involved.

Louisiana Head Coach Garry Brodhead set a new record with his 87th win coaching the Ragin' Cajuns. His team defeated their bitter rivals, the ULM Warhawks, 65-59, and Brodhead broke the record for most wins as a head coach of Louisiana's basketball team. He made sure to pay tribute to the teams that came before this year's squad when he sat down after the victory.

"This win is credit to the 86 teams that came before this," Brodhead said after the win.

It was fitting that Louisiana had to fight for the win. Brodhead's teams never quit, and they turned it on in the second half to beat ULM.

The Warhawks jumped out to a 32-26 lead at halftime, but Louisiana responded by breaking out in the third quarter. The Ragin' Cajuns outscored them, 21-9, in the third quarter, and their unselfish play buried ULM. The Warhawks tried to mount a comeback, but the third quarter run was too much to overcome.

The key to the victory was on defense, which was fitting in Brodhead's historic win. For a man who loves defense, he had a lot to smile about it Monroe.

Louisiana forced the Warhawks into 22 turnovers, and Louisiana came out on the positive side of the assist-to-turnover ratio, 15-11.

Simone Fields led the way with 21 points and five rebounds, and Jaylyn Gordon came up with 13 points and four assists, but the main difference came off the bench.

Nekia Jones was excellent. She had nine points and five assists, but she was a key piece of Louisiana's offense in the second half. She rifled passes to her teammates, drew charges on defense and put the ball in the basket for a major momentum boost. Jones' contribution wasn't extraordinary on the stat sheet, but her impact was undeniable.

Brodhead is now the most successful coach in the history of Ragin' Cajun Women's Basketball. He earned his respect, game by game, and now he's a record setter.