ULM’s fifth straight conference win comes after an 84-76 home victory against the Arkansas State Red Wolves. The win also gives the Warhawks (14-5; 6-2 Sun Belt Conference) their first 6-conference-win season since the 2015-16 campaign.
The Warhawks held the edge on field goals, finding the net 32 times off 62 attempts, whereas the Red Wolves only made 27 shots from 63 attempts.
Despite having more turnovers than the Red Wolves, the Warhawks made each count by totaling 6 points from three steals versus Arkansas State’s 3 points from five steals.
Only five players for ULM put up any points. However, they all bagged double digit totals. Nunu Bradford’s 23 points leaves her one shot away from 4 hundred total points this season. With Bradford averaging 21 points per game, she’s on pace to surpass 6 hundred total points by the end of the season.
The only scoreless starter, Kyjai Miles, helped her team with eight rebounds and three assists.
ULM got off to a quick lead thanks to Bradford and graduate Lauren Gross. The Red Wolves didn’t fall too far behind. But having lower shooting percentages in and out of the paint meant the Warhawks kept their lead after the first quarter.
Within the first minute of the second quarter, Bradford landed a shot from behind the arc to extend the lead to nine. Both teams scored quick, and with five minutes remaining, Arkansas State began to chip away at ULM’s lead.
Fouls, turnovers and missed shots converted the Red Wolves’ 9-point deficit to a 1-point lead in just two minutes. Fortunately for ULM, Katelyn Manuel revived the offense with a jumper inside the paint and two sunk free throws to regain the lead. The first half ended 38-35 in favor of the Warhawks.
The Red Wolves continued to follow on the heels of the Warhawks for most of the third quarter. A fastbreak by Gross extended the lead to seven and gave ULM some breathing room. Arkansas State’s missed field goals and turnovers allowed the Warhawks to create more cushion before the end of the third quarter.
ULM held the lead until the clock read double zeros, but Arkansas State didn’t stop trying to spoil the win. An aggressive push by the Red Wolves and missed 3-pointers by the Warhawks brought Arkansas State’s deficit to three. Bradford and Sania Wells stretched the lead once more. A steal by Gross sealed the match for another Warhawk win.
ULM continues its home stretch before traveling to Boone, North Carolina to face Appalachian State. Later, the Warhawks resume the MAC-SBC Challenge with a skirmish in Toledo, Ohio versus the Toledo Rockets.
