NEW ORLEANS — UALR’s comfortable lead had disappeared, and the Sun Belt Conference’s best player was taking over.
So Coach Chris Beard did what he had in tight moments all season for the Trojans — he put the game in the hands of his players.
“We’re an experienced team,” Beard said. “And we’re a good team.”
The No. 1 seed Trojans showed that over the final 12 minutes Saturday in the tournament semifinals, pulling away from a 38-38 tie with Louisiana-Lafayette for a 72-65 victory.
UALR 72, LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE 65
Jalen Jackson scored 11 of his team-high 16 points in the first half; Josh Hagins scored 10 of his 15 in the final 12 minutes; and Lis Shoshi and Marcus Johnson Jr.