ESPN Men's Basketball

LAFAYETTE, La. -- Bryant Mbamalu turned in a season-high 26 points to lead Louisiana-Lafayette over Arkansas-Little Rock 79-70 in Sun Belt Conference action Saturday night.

The win moves the Ragin' Cajuns (6-9, 2-2) into a tie for first place with the Trojans (8-7, 2-2) in the Sun Belt's West division.

Mbamalu was 9-of-14 shooting and also had four assists. Shawn Long added 10 points and 13 rebounds for his eighth double-double this year and third in four games.

Will Neighbour turned in 17 points and a career-high 14 rebounds for his third double-double of the season. The junior hit 9 of 11 free throws and the Trojans made 24 of 30 while connecting on 31.3 percent (21 of 67) from the floor.

Louisiana-Lafayette trailed 37-34 at halftime but came out of the intermission with a 7-2 run.

Mbamalu's free throws snapped a 45-all tie and sparked a 13-5 run for the decisive advantage.