Norfolk State closed out its nonconference schedule and the 2025 calendar year with a 63-54 loss to Louisiana on Sunday at the Cajundome in Lafayette.
Dorian Finister scored 15 points, Milan Mejia added 12 and Jaxon Olvera had 11 to lead the Ragin’ Cajuns (3-11).
Jordan Leaks paced the Spartans (6-10) with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Anthony McComb III had 11.
Norfolk State stayed close for most of the first half, trailing 26-23 with 3:30 left. But Louisiana closed the half with a 7-2 run to lead 33-25 at the break.
The Ragin’ Cajuns quickly extended their lead to double figures in the second half and led by as many as 21 (50-29) before the Spartans started to come back. NSU got its deficit down to nine at 53-44 with 6:15 to go.
Louisiana pulled away from there, though, and led by double digits until the final margin.
The Ragin’ Cajuns outshot NSU 41% to 31%.
The Spartans will open MEAC play at North Carolina Central on Jan. 3.
