Jalen Jackson led a balanced attack with 16 points and top-seeded Little Rock held off fourth-seeded Louisiana Lafayette 72-65 on Saturday to advance to the championship game of the Sun Belt Tournament.
Josh Hagins added 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals for the Trojans (28-4), who face the Louisiana Monroe-Texas Arlington winner in Sunday's championship. Lis Shoshi and Marcus Johnson Jr. added 13 points apiece.
Jackson hit 6 of 7 shots and scored 13 points as Little Rock opened a 33-23 lead at the break.
The Ragin' Cajuns (17-14) quickly battled back, tying the game at 38 on a layup by Shawn Long, who followed up his 34-point game in the quarterfinals with 25 points. Kasey Shepherd had all 18 of his points, with five 3s, in the second half.
