The ULM women’s basketball team won Saturday’s matchup against conference opponent Texas State in dramatic fashion. The game was tied at 56 with 45 seconds left. The Warhawks called a great offensive play when Gabriella Cortez connected on a lay-up to take the lead 58-56 with 39 seconds left to play.

The Bobcats connected on a three-point play hitting the free throw to take the lead with 23 seconds left to play. The Warhawks were looking for a play to retake the lead. For the Warhawks, Alexis Collins proved that the bank is always open on Saturdays when she hit a clutch 3-pointer to win the game for the Warhawks. Collins finished the game with 17 points shooting 6-18 from the field and 3-7 from the three point line.

Head Coach Jeff Dow complemented the seniors on their victory on Senior Day.

“That was a great win for our team and our seniors,” coach Dow said. “Senior day is always a special day; you know magical things happen.

The Warhawks began to show some efficiency on offense by running their sets and connecting on some easy baskets. In the first quarter, the Warhawks scored with ease, but the Bobcats were right behind them connecting on some tough shots. At the end of the quarter, the Warhawks lead 14-13.

The second quarter was a different story as the Warhawks had an offensive outburst. The Warhawks shot a stellar 61.5 percent from the field and 66.7 percent from behind the arc.

The Warhawks were clearly dialed in. They excelled on the offensive and defensive ends. The Warhawks lead 34-28 going into halftime. With their confidence mounting, the Warhawks wanted to keep their foot on the gas pedal to come out aggressive in the second half.

Early in the third quarter, the Warhawks kept the game under control by running their sets, moving the ball around and scoring some quick baskets. The Bobcats finally regrouped late in the quarter causing some turnovers and forcing the Warhawks to play conservativly.

Coach Dow talked about the recovery from the Bobcat’s attack.

“Texas State is a good team. When they went on some runs, we stopped the bleeding,” coach Dow said. “We had seven fewer turnovers one more offensive rebound and made 3-pointers.”

The Warhawks ended the quarter on a high note. They lead 46-43 heading into the fourth quarter. The Bobcats started the fourth quarter with a bang by knocking down a 3-pointer to tie the game.

The Warhawks could sense some pressure from the Bobcats as they were trying to break the tie.

Andreanna Jackson hit a corner three to break the game open for the Warhawks, but the Bobcats fought back tying the game 54-54 with a lay-up. With three minutes to go in the game, the Bobcats called a timeout to regroup and set up a game plan for the last moments of the game. The Warhawks also wanted to keep up their defensive and offensive pressure to finish the game.

Coach Dow had positive things to say about his players performance after the game.

“Alexis Collins is like our little spark plug. When she does well, we tend to excel on offense. She makes plays and really brings our team together.”

The Warhawks defeated the Bobcats 61-59. The Warhawks have some momentum heading into the Sun Belt Tournament which starts Tuesday, March 7 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Collins talked about the win after the game.

“I feel great we came out and were aggressive the whole game. That was our game plan for today,” Collins said. “I feel great about the tournament.”