UL-Lafayette beats UT Arlington 81-70

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) Shawn Long had 21 points and 15 rebounds, and Louisiana-Lafayette split the season series with an 81-70 victory over Texas-Arlington on Saturday night.

The Ragin' Cajuns (16-12, 10-7 Sun Belt) led by double digits through the second half until the final minute when UT Arlington (15-11, 9-7) twice closed within nine.

Jay Wright added 15 points and 10 boards for UL-Lafayette to win its third straight and fifth of seven.

Hayward Register had four early 3-pointers to help the Cajuns jump to an 18-5 lead. Register finished the half with five 3s and all 15 of his points as UL-Lafayette closed with a 7-2 run to lead 40-27. Kasey Shepherd finished with 11 points.

The Mavericks were just 5 of 29 from the field in the first half. Erick Neal and Jamel Outler led UTA with 16 points each while Greg Gainey and Kaelon Wilson added 13 apiece.