Ragin' Cajuns Edge Warhawks in Thrilling Finish
Thursday, January 8, 2026, 8:57 PM ET · Cajundome
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns 85, UL Monroe Warhawks 79, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won UL Monroe Warhawks vs Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns?
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns beat UL Monroe Warhawks 85-79 at Cajundome on January 8, 2026.
Who was favored in UL Monroe Warhawks vs Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns?
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -345 (about 78% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup at the Cajundome, the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns triumphed over the UL Monroe Warhawks with a final score of 85-79. This victory not only adds to the Ragin' Cajuns' recent success against their rivals but also highlights their ability to perform under pressure, especially given their previous meeting just weeks prior, where they also secured a win against the Warhawks.
The Ragin' Cajuns entered this game with a home record of 4-13 and had been struggling, with a recent form of 2-8 over their last ten games. They had lost their last two games, averaging 58.1 points scored and allowing 64.3 points in that span. Their last five games saw them score an average of 63.6 points while allowing 63.0, indicating a slight improvement in their defensive efforts. Notably, they had previously defeated UL Monroe 76-62 on December 20, 2025, showcasing their dominance in recent encounters.
On the other hand, the UL Monroe Warhawks faced a challenging season with a 3-14 record and a six-game losing streak. Their last ten games resulted in a record of 2-8, with an alarming average of 74.6 points scored but a staggering 85.5 points allowed. Their last five games were particularly troubling, as they averaged 78.2 points scored while conceding 87.4, reflecting significant defensive vulnerabilities.
The matchup was marked by the Ragin' Cajuns' home advantage, where they had a record of 1-4 in their last five home games. Conversely, the Warhawks struggled on the road, holding an away record of 0-4 in their last five games. This trend played a crucial role in shaping the expectations leading into the game.
In terms of injury updates, the block does not specify any players missing from either team, allowing both squads to field their best lineups. This was significant in a matchup that had implications for both teams as they looked to improve their standings in the league.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had UL Monroe favored by 7.5 points, with an over/under total set at 139.5. The odds indicated a belief in a higher-scoring game, which was reflected in the offensive capabilities of both teams, particularly the Warhawks' scoring average.
Conditions during the game were typical for indoor basketball, with no significant factors reported that could have impacted performance. Fans were treated to a thrilling contest, with key moments including a series of scoring plays in the second half that kept the game close. Joshua Lewis played a pivotal role for the Ragin' Cajuns, making crucial free throws down the stretch to help secure the win.
As the game progressed, viewers witnessed intense back-and-forth action, with Krystian Lewis also contributing significantly with key layups and free throws. This contest not only showcased the rivalry between the two teams but also highlighted the Ragin' Cajuns' ability to capitalize on their home court advantage, extending their winning streak against the Warhawks to four consecutive games. The Ragin' Cajuns' success in this fixture may serve as a turning point for their season, while the Warhawks will need to reassess their strategies as they continue to struggle in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UL -7.5 | 139.5 o -108 / u -112 | UL Monroe Warhawks +275 · Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns -345 |
Leaders
- PointsJoshua Lewis26Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
- AssistsDorian Finister4Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
- ReboundsJoshua Lewis9Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
- PointsKrystian Lewis25UL Monroe Warhawks
- AssistsKrystian Lewis3UL Monroe Warhawks
- ReboundsKrystian Lewis7UL Monroe Warhawks
Recent form
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
Last 10: 2-8Streak L258.1 scored · 64.3 allowed per game1-4 at home
- L67-74vs Southern Miss Golden EaglesJan 3
- L58-63vs South Alabama JaguarsDec 31
- W63-54vs Norfolk State SpartansDec 28
- W76-62at UL Monroe WarhawksDec 20
- L54-62at Southern Miss Golden EaglesDec 19
- L44-65at Louisiana Tech BulldogsDec 13
- L63-70vs UNC Wilmington SeahawksDec 6
- L55-65at Lamar CardinalsDec 4
- L45-51vs Jackson State TigersNov 29
- L56-77at UC Davis AggiesNov 25
UL Monroe Warhawks
Last 10: 2-8Streak L674.6 scored · 85.5 allowed per game0-4 away
- L79-84vs Texas State BobcatsJan 3
- L73-87vs Southern Miss Golden EaglesJan 1
- L85-94at Kansas State WildcatsDec 28
- L62-76vs Louisiana Ragin' CajunsDec 20
- L92-96vs South Alabama JaguarsDec 18
- L79-104at Miami HurricanesDec 13
- W79-69vs Arkansas Baptist BuffaloesDec 9
- L76-96at Stephen F. Austin LumberjacksDec 7
- W66-52vs Mississippi Valley State Delta DevilsDec 4
- L55-97at East Tennessee State BuccaneersNov 23
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Troy | 22-12 | - | 12-6 |
| South Alabama | 21-12 | 1 | 11-7 |
| Arkansas State | 20-12 | 1 | 11-7 |
| Texas State | 19-13 | 1 | 11-7 |
| Marshall | 19-13 | 1 | 11-7 |
| Coastal Carolina | 19-13 | 1 | 11-7 |
| App State | 19-13 | 1 | 11-7 |
| James Madison | 18-15 | 3 | 9-9 |
| Southern Miss | 19-16 | 3 | 9-9 |
| Georgia Southern | 21-16 | 4 | 8-10 |
| Old Dominion | 12-21 | 5 | 7-11 |
| Louisiana | 11-22 | 5 | 7-11 |
| Georgia State | 10-22 | 5 | 7-11 |
| UL Monroe | 4-28 | 11 | 1-17 |
Box score
| Stat | UL Monroe Warhawks | Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-52 | 33-68 |
| Field goal % | 54 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 7-13 | 11-33 |
| Three-point % | 54 | 33 |
| Free throws | 16-22 | 8-15 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 53 |
| Rebounds | 23 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 4 | 18 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 22 |
| Assists | 9 | 16 |
| Steals | 8 | 5 |
| Blocks | 1 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 34 |
| Fouls | 16 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 13 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 21 | 68 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half42-45MJ Russell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-48Joshua Lewis makes 22-foot three point jumper (Dorian Finister assists)
- 2nd Half42-49Joshua Lewis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-50Joshua Lewis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-50Dylan Diaz makes 24-foot three point jumper (Krystian Lewis assists)
- 2nd Half45-52Joshua Lewis makes 5-foot jumper
- 2nd Half48-52MJ Russell makes 26-foot three point jumper (Alex Molofeev assists)
- 2nd Half48-54Dorian Finister makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-54MJ Russell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-57Dorian Finister makes 23-foot three point jumper (De'Vion Lavergne assists)
- 2nd Half50-59Dorian Finister makes layup (De'Vion Lavergne assists)
- 2nd Half52-59Krystian Lewis makes layup
- 2nd Half52-61De'Vion Lavergne makes 7-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half55-61Micah Caster makes 24-foot three point jumper (Krystian Lewis assists)
- 2nd Half55-63Jaxon Olvera makes 11-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half55-66Joshua Lewis makes 25-foot three point jumper (Dorian Finister assists)
- 2nd Half58-66Renars Sondors makes 25-foot three point jumper (MJ Russell assists)
- 2nd Half58-68Jaxon Olvera makes layup
- 2nd Half60-68Renars Sondors makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-71De'Vion Lavergne makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaxon Olvera assists)
- 2nd Half60-73Dariyus Woodson makes layup
- 2nd Half63-73Dylan Diaz makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half65-73Alex Molofeev makes layup
- 2nd Half67-73Krystian Lewis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-73Krystian Lewis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-73Krystian Lewis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-75Dariyus Woodson makes layup
- 2nd Half70-75Alex Molofeev makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-77De'Vion Lavergne makes 18-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half72-77Alex Molofeev makes driving layup
- 2nd Half72-79Dariyus Woodson makes layup (Joshua Lewis assists)
- 2nd Half74-79MJ Russell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half74-81Joshua Lewis makes 11-foot jumper (Dorian Finister assists)
- 2nd Half76-81Krystian Lewis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half76-82Dariyus Woodson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-83Dariyus Woodson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-83Krystian Lewis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-84Joshua Lewis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-85Joshua Lewis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-85Krystian Lewis makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns, below favours UL Monroe Warhawks.
Venue
- CajundomeLafayette, LA
- Attendance2341
- OfficialsJosue Nieves, Shaun Seales, James Curran
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond