Following a quick turnaround from Thursday’s win at Troy, ULM fell 66-48 to visiting Middle Tennessee State on Saturday afternoon at Fant-Ewing Coliseum.
Head coach Mona Martin knew slowing down the Blue Raiders (11-5, 6-1) would be a challenge, especially on two days rest.
“We battled at points, but they just have so many weapons and it’s hard to overcome that,” Martin said.
Ashleigh Simmons recorded her third double-double of the season, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with Ebony Rowe of MTSU. Rowe-the Sun Belt’s second leading scorer-finished with 32 points and nine rebounds.
The Warhawks (3-13, 1-6) struggled defensively keeping Rowe out of the paint and off the free throw line.
“We let her get right up under the goal and she’s gonna dominate when she does that,” Martin said.
MTSU took advantage of a fast start to build a 16-point halftime lead. ULM cut the score to 11 early in the second half thanks to five straight points by Simmons. But an untimely turnover by Alexar Tugler sparked a run by the Blue Raiders that ballooned into a 20-point deficit at the eight minute mark.
Tugler forced a pass to Simmons that resulted in the change of possession.
“That could have cut it nine and maybe got us a little confidence, but instead that turn over made things better for them. They just went off on us,” Martin said.
Martin was particularly disappointed with her team’s defense. ULM’s coaches attempted to gameplan around Rowe and guard Icelyn Elie, but could not prevent them from getting open looks. The Warhawks also gave up several easy baskets after failing to get back down the floor on defense.
Although disappointed, Martin feels the team’s effort is there, but they often struggle with “maturity” issues.
“That’s part of the game. You’ve got to be sprinting all the time,” Martin said. “Young players have to learn to do that.”
Simmons led the Warhawks with 15 points and 10 rebounds, going six for nine from the field and three of nine at the free throw line. Elexar Tugler put up eight points and Jasmine Shaw seven. Jae Shin shot 60 percent from the three and scored nine points.
Rowe led the Blue Raiders in scoring while Elie contributed 15 points.
