LAFAYETTE, La. (Interstat) — De’Vion Lavergne scored 23 points and Louisiana-Lafayette used a dominant first half to defeat Georgia State 82-72 in a Sun Belt Conference men’s basketball game Thursday night at Cajundome.

The Ragin’ Cajuns built a 46-28 halftime lead by shooting 50% from the field and making 7 of 13 three-pointers before intermission. The Panthers chipped away in the second half, closing within six points, but could not complete the comeback. Malachi Brown led Georgia State with 25 points. Dorian Finister added 18 points for Louisiana-Lafayette.

Georgia State shot just 30.9% from the field. Louisiana-Lafayette improved to 6-16, while Georgia State fell to 9-13. Attendance was 2,436.