LAFAYETTE, La. – Southeastern Louisiana freshman guard Charliee Dugas poured in a career-high 28 points, but Louisiana-Lafayette pulled away in the fourth quarter for an 86-77 victory over the Lady Lions in non-conference women's basketball action Monday evening at the Cajundome.
 
The Lady Lions (2-7) dropped their fourth straight decision despite shooting 54.5 percent (24-for-44) from the floor, including 57.1 percent (12-for-21) from three-point range. The host Ragin' Cajuns (5-3) countered with 52.7 shooting (29-for-55) from the floor and hit 60 percent (9-for-15) from behind the arc.
 
A three-point field goal by sophomore guard Jaclyn Scholvin sent the Lady Lions into the final quarter down just 64-63. However, UL Lafayette opened the final period with a 13-4 run, stretching the advantage to double digits and Southeastern was unable to get closer than eight the rest of the way.
 
"Our players left everything on the court tonight, which is why it was disappointing they couldn't be rewarded with a victory," Southeastern head coach Errol Gauff said. "I really was pleased with the patience we showed on offense and how we didn't settle for quick shots. On defense we have to do a better job of recognizing who has the hot hand and not allow them to continue to get open looks."
 
Dugas' career night occurred mere minutes away from her hometown of Rayne, Louisiana. In just her ninth collegiate game and second career start, the Rayne High School alum's career night was complimented by the efforts of junior guard Taylin Underwood. The Livingston, Louisiana native hit four of her six three-point field goal attempts on the way to an 18-point performance. Dugas led SLU with four rebounds, while Underwood dished out three assists.
 
Troi Swain came off the bench to hit five of eight three-point field goals on the way to a team-high 23 points to lead UL Lafayette. Swain was one of four Ragin' Cajuns in double figures, along with Jaylyn Gordon (22 points), Gabby Alexander (14 points) and Jodi Quinn (10 points).
 
Alexander notched a double-double with a game-high 11 rebounds, as UL Lafayette outrebounded SLU, 33-19. Nekia Jones led the Ragin' Cajuns with four assists off the bench.
 
Dugas and Underwood netted 10 points apiece in the opening quarter to stake Southeastern to an early lead. The Lady Lions led by as many as 10 during the initial 10 minutes and held a 26-20 lead after the first period.
 
Louisiana-Lafayette rallied in the second quarter, making 9-of-12 of its field goal attempts – including 5-of-6 from behind the arc. Dugas and freshman guard Taz Stinson were able to keep the Lady Lions close at the half, as SLU went into the break down, 47-44.
 
UL Lafayette would stretch the lead to eight in the third quarter, as Alexander hit a pair of free throws to push the advantage to 57-49 with 4:03 remaining in the period. However, Underwood, Scholvin and sophomore guard Ashailee Brailey combined for four three-point fields to close out the quarter and send the Lady Lions into the final quarter down just one.
 
Louisiana-Lafayette forced eight turnovers in the final quarter to pull away from the Lady Lions. A four-point play by Gordon put UL Lafayette up, 77-67, with 5:53 left to play and SLU could get no closer than eight the rest of the way, as the Ragin' Cajun lead ballooned to as many as 16 down the stretch.
 
Southeastern will return home on Wednesday, hosting Grambling at 2 p.m. in the University Center. The game will be broadcast live in the Hammond area on KSLU-FM (90.9), online at www.LionSports.net/listenlive and via the TuneIn Radio app. A live video stream will be available to LionVision subscribers at www.LionSports.net/watch.
 
Dugas and fellow freshman guard Courtney Dawsey will be Wednesday's Spotlight Players of the Game. The first 150 fans will receive trading cards featuring the Lady Lion newcomers courtesy of PRIDE.