Bobcats defense halts ULM
March 1, 2021
Women’s basketball closed their regular season out with two losses to Texas State.
After ending their 15-game losing streak against Little Rock earlier in the week, the Warhawks found themselves on the losing end yet again.
“We’re disappointed we didn’t carry over the same intensity and execution on both ends of the floor,” Coach Brooks Williams said in comparison to their win on Monday.
Scoring was not an issue for either team in their matchup. The difference between the two teams was discipline with the ball.
Through two games, ULM committed 19 more turnovers than the Bobcats. Even shooting 9-18 from three would not be enough to win, as the Warhawks lost their first encounter 62-85.
ULM squandered opportunities when they did force turnovers. ULM only scored one point off turnovers in the first matchup, whereas Texas State scored 20.
Even with three players reaching double digit scoring, the Warhawks would still lose by 23.
The second meeting was another night with low shooting numbers for most of the Warhawks, but the 56-68 final score does not reflect how drastic the difference in scoring was.
Junior guard Kierra Brimzy reached double digits both nights.
She had a 12-point outing in the first contest before leading the team in scoring with 15 and assists with seven in the latter matchup.
Sophomore guard Gara Beth Self led the Warhawks in scoring in the first meeting with 16 points, shooting four for six from three.
These two games were winnable if not for turnovers. The lack of ball control and the inability to force them defensively is what kept ULM from closing out their season with wins.
ULM will get one final shot to perform at their peak in the Sun Belt Championship tournament.
It will take a high level of preparation by the coaching staff and the players to force an upset against some of the better teams in the conference.
If ULM is able to slow the pace of the game, limit their turnovers and limit the total possessions, then it is possible they can find a way to win next week.
Let’s hope the Warhawks can hit a winning streak.