Sun Belt Showdown Set for Mobile as Jaguars Host Struggling Ragin’ Cajuns

MOBILE, Ala. (Interstat) — A stark contrast in fortunes will be on display Saturday when the surging South Alabama Jaguars host the struggling Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns in a Sun Belt Conference men’s basketball game at the Mitchell Center.

The Jaguars (13-5 overall) enter riding high after a thrilling 91-87 overtime victory over Arkansas State on Thursday. They have won three of their last four and sit near the top of the conference standings. The Ragin’ Cajuns (4-15), meanwhile, are mired in a difficult season, coming off a 59-54 loss at Texas State on Wednesday, their 10th defeat in the last 12 games.

South Alabama will look to complete a regular-season sweep after edging Louisiana-Lafayette 63-58 in Lafayette on Dec. 31. The Jaguars are powered by guard Chaze Harris, who is coming off a career-high 38-point performance in the overtime win. Over his last five games, Harris is averaging 22.4 points and 4.6 assists, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier scorers.

Louisiana-Lafayette’s hopes will rest heavily on the shoulders of guard Dorian Finister. He has been a consistent bright spot during the team’s struggles, scoring in double figures in 12 consecutive games, including an 18-point effort in the recent loss to Texas State. In the first meeting against South Alabama, Finister led the Cajuns with 17 points and six rebounds.

The matchup pits South Alabama’s efficient offense, which has scored 87 or more points in three of its last four wins, against a Louisiana-Lafayette defense that has allowed 74 or more points in seven of its last eight losses. The Jaguars’ home-court advantage at the Mitchell Center, where they are 8-2 this season, presents another significant challenge for the visiting Ragin’ Cajuns.

Tipoff is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, as South Alabama aims to solidify its standing and Louisiana-Lafayette seeks a desperately needed signature conference road win.