UL Women’s Basketball Claims 2nd Straight WBI Championship In Dramatic Fashion

Louisiana's Ragin' Cajun women's basketball team won their 2nd consecutive WBI (Women's Basketball Invitational) championship Saturday, defeating Weber State in double overtime by the score of 87-85.

The victory gave Garry Brodhead's squad their 25th win of the season, tying a school record (2006). It also sent five seniors out on a winning note.

For Kia Wilridge, Keke Veal, Brooklyn Arceneaux, Jasmin Mills and Adrienne Prejean, they end their careers with back to back WBI championships.

Wilridge's last game as a Cajun was a good one. She finished with a career-high 32 points, as her team needed every one of them to get by the feisty Weber State Wildcats.

Louisiana trailed after the first quarter 16-13, tied it up at halftime at 31 apiece, and trailed by as many as 8 before taking a second half lead.

Up 2 with 8 seconds left in regulation, the Cajuns gave up a game-tying buzzer beater by Brittney Dunbar, forcing the game into OT.

With 7.6 seconds left in the 2nd overtime, the Wildcats inbounded the ball after a Cajun free throw but never got a shot off due to a smothering Cajun defense.

"To get a stop at the end of the game was great," said Brodhead. "I think it (the defense) was awesome."

Wilridge and Simone Fields each finished with double-doubles of 17 points and 11 rebounds, collectively playing 94 minutes.

Louisiana's defense was key Saturday. The Wildcats outshot the Cajuns 55.6% to 41.7%, but UL forced an impressive 28 turnovers.

In a game with 15 lead changes and 12 ties, the Cajuns overcame adversity to earn another WBI plaque for their trophy case, ending a successful season on a fitting note.