LAFAYETTE, La. (February 4, 2010) --- Louisiana scored 25 points off of 14 FIU turnovers, as the Golden Panthers (7-18, 4-8 Sun Belt) fell to the Ragin" Cajuns (10-12, 7-4 Sun Belt), 83-63, on Thursday, February 4 at the Cajundome.

Hot shooting by Louisiana (55.7 percent from the floor and 65.5 percent from beyond the arc) coupled with UL's points-off-turnovers resulted in the Golden Panthers' fourth loss in their last five games.

FIU finished the night shooting 42.3 percent (24-of-57) from the floor and 16.7 percent (3-of-18) from 3-point land. The Golden Panthers struggled in the first half, converting just 9-of-29 shots in the first half (31.0 percent) compared to UL's 46.9 percent (15-of-32), giving the Rajin' Cajuns an 11-point lead at the half. UL extended its lead to 20 in the second half, out-scoring FIU, 43-34.

FIU was led by J.C. Otero, who registered his second-consecutive double-double and seventh of the season, scoring 17 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Otero shot 8-of-14 from the floor and was the only player in the game (for either team) to reach double digits on the glass. Junior Phil Gary scored 14 points versus Louisiana, shooting 4-of-7 from the floor (2-of-4 from beyond the arc) and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line. The Chicago, Ill., native lead all Golden Panthers with four assists.

Louisiana had five guys in double figures led by Tyren Johnson, who scored a game-high 22 points. Johnson shot 9-of-13 from the floor while recording six rebounds and three blocked shots. Randell Daigle registered 19 points and notched four assists for the Ragin' Cajuns. Chris Gradnigo (13 points), Travis Bureau (11 points), and Lamar Roberson (10 points) rounded out the players in double figures for UL.

The Ragin' Cajuns scored 16 fast-break points and held a 42-35 advantage in scoring in-the-paint. Louisiana out-rebounded FIU, 35-28.

The loss is FIU's second-straight in conference play and moved the team's road record to 3-13 this season.

FIU heads home to host the North Texas Mean Green on Saturday, Feb. 6. Game time is 2 p.m.