LAFAYETTE, La. (Interstat) — Djahi Binet scored 24 points and Southern Mississippi used a dominant first half to build a cushion that withstood a late Louisiana-Lafayette rally, securing a 74-67 victory in a Sun Belt Conference men’s basketball game Saturday afternoon at the Cajundome.

The Golden Eagles (9-7, 2-1) led wire-to-wire, opening the game on a 12-0 run and holding the Ragin’ Cajuns (3-13, 1-2) without a field goal for the first six minutes. Southern Mississippi took a 33-27 lead into halftime and pushed its advantage back to double digits multiple times in the second half before closing out the game at the free-throw line.

The most critical phase of the game was its opening segment. Southern Mississippi established immediate control, capitalizing on early Louisiana-Lafayette turnovers and missed shots. The Golden Eagles’ 12-0 start, highlighted by a dunk from Binet, forced the Ragin’ Cajuns to play from behind for the entire contest. This early deficit proved insurmountable for a Louisiana-Lafayette team that has struggled offensively all season, despite a second-half effort that saw them outscore Southern Mississippi 40-41.

Binet, a 6-foot-7 forward from Nice, France, was the game’s standout performer, adding eight rebounds and two blocks to his game-high point total. He was efficient from the field, making eight of his 13 attempts, and relentless at the foul line, converting eight of nine free throws. His performance anchored the Golden Eagles, especially during Louisiana-Lafayette’s pushes in the second half.

Dylan Brumfield of Hattiesburg provided crucial support for Southern Mississippi, playing all 40 minutes and contributing 15 points and four assists. Tylik Weeks added 12 points and seven rebounds, while Israel Hart chipped in 11 points, four rebounds and four assists.

Louisiana-Lafayette was led by De’Vion Lavergne, who scored 18 points. Dorian Finister finished with 13 points and six rebounds, and Joshua Lewis added 12 points and five rebounds. The Ragin’ Cajuns shot just 43.6% from the field and were hampered by 14 turnovers, which Southern Mississippi converted into 15 points.

Despite the loss, Louisiana-Lafayette showed fight after halftime, trimming a 13-point deficit down to just four at 55-51 with under eight minutes to play after a pair of free throws from Jeremiah Evans. Each time the Ragin’ Cajuns threatened, however, Southern Mississippi had an answer, often from Binet or Brumfield. A driving layup by Brumfield and a three-pointer from Hart on the next possession pushed the lead back to nine with five minutes left, effectively sealing the game.

Southern Mississippi’s victory was built on defense and efficiency. The Golden Eagles held Louisiana-Lafayette to an offensive rating of 96.3 points per 100 possessions and won despite making only three three-pointers. They compensated by attacking the basket and drawing fouls, attempting 30 free throws and making 25. The Golden Eagles also won the turnover battle, forcing 14 while committing 14, but generating nine steals to Louisiana-Lafayette’s five.

The win gives Southern Mississippi a regular-season sweep after also defeating Louisiana-Lafayette 62-54 in Hattiesburg on Dec. 18. It also moves the Golden Eagles above .500 in conference play as they prepare for a two-game homestand next week against Texas State and Louisiana-Monroe.

Louisiana-Lafayette, which entered the game with a Interstat ELO projection giving it a 58.7% chance to win, continues to search for consistency in a difficult season. The Ragin’ Cajuns will look to regroup at home next week, hosting Louisiana-Monroe and Troy.

An announced crowd of 2,434 at the Cajundome saw the Golden Eagles improve to 9-7 overall, while the Ragin’ Cajuns fell to 3-13.