Southern Mississippi forward DeAndre Pinckney (5) shoots against Louisiana forward Jordan Brown (21) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Louisiana guard Greg Williams Jr. (13) blocks a layup attempt by Southern Mississippi guard Austin Crowley (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Southern Mississippi guard Marcelo Perez (25) shoots as Louisiana guard Kentrell Garnett (22) defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Southern Mississippi guard Marcelo Perez (25) shoots as Louisiana guard Kentrell Garnett (22) defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Southern Mississippi guard Neftali Alvarez (2) attempts a layup while Louisiana guard Greg Williams Jr. (13) defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Louisiana forward Terence Lewis II (34) knocks down a layup attempt by a Southern Mississippi player during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Southern Mississippi guard Neftali Alvarez shoots as Louisiana forward Jordan Brown (21) defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Southern Mississippi guard Marcelo Perez, left, hugs assistant coach Juan Cardona following the team's 82-71 win over Louisiana in an NCAA college basketball game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Southern Mississippi coach Jay Ladner watches players join the student section to celebrate a 82-71 win over Louisiana in an NCAA college basketball game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Southern Mississippi guard Marcelo Perez, center, joins the student section after the team's 82-71 win over Louisiana in an NCAA college basketball game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Southern Mississippi forward Felipe Haase (22) sticks his tongue out as he celebrates making a 3-point shot during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Louisiana in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. Southern Mississippi won 82-71. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Southern Mississippi guard Donovan Ivory (15) leaps past a Louisiana player to shoot during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. Southern Mississippi won 82-71. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Southern Mississippi fans celebrate the final minutes of the team's 82-71 win over Louisiana during an NCAA college basketball game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Louisiana guard Greg Williams Jr. (13) shoots against Southern Mississippi during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. Southern Mississippi won 82-71. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Southern Mississippi forward Felipe Haase (22) kisses the forehead of guard Nico Aguirre (12) during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Louisiana in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. Southern Mississippi won 82-71. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Southern Mississippi guard Neftali Alvarez (2) celebrate the team's 82-71 win over Louisiana in an NCAA college basketball game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Southern Mississippi forward DeAndre Pinckney (5) dunks against Louisiana while Donovan Ivory (15) celebrates during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. Southern Mississippi won 82-71. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Louisiana guard Themus Fulks drives during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. Southern Mississippi won 82-71. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Louisiana guard Greg Williams Jr. (13) attempts to dribble past Southern Mississippi forward Felipe Haase (22) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. Southern Mississippi won 82-71. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Louisiana guard Michael Thomas (2) shoots against Southern Mississippi forward Felipe Haase (22) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. Southern Mississippi won 82-71. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)