Recap: Arkansas State vs. Louisiana

Jonesboro, AR (Sports Network) - Ed Townsel erupted for 31 points as he guided the Arkansas State Red Wolves to an 87-70 win over the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns in Sun Belt Conference action at the Convocation Center.

Also scoring in double figures for Arkansas State (7-5, 1-2 SBC) were Raeford Worsham and Marcus Hooten with 18 and 11 points, respectively, as the team snapped a two-game slide.

The Ragin' Cajuns (5-9, 1-2) were paced by Elfrid Payton who tallied 20 points, but shot only 9-of-24 from the field. Alan-Michael Thompson missed all five of his 3-point tries, but still came up with 13 points off the bench for Louisiana as the team bowed for the third time in four tries. Shawn Long accounted for 11 points, eight boards and three steals before fouling out and Josh Soto tacked on 10 points in a reserve role as well.

The Ragin' Cajuns held a two-point lead early in the first half, but the squad shot just 38.7 percent from the floor in the opening frame which left them with a 38-30 deficit at the break.

In the second half ASU feasted at the free-throw line (21-of-26) in order to cruise to the 17-point win.

Arkansas State, which held a 41-31 rebounding edge, won the game at the free- throw line where it outscored the visitors, 29-6.