On Nov. 6, the ULM men’s basketball team took on the LSU Tigers at Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge.
Coming off a massive 111-61 win against Champion Christian, the Warhawks hoped to secure another win and break their long-standing losing streak against the Tigers. Previously, ULM and LSU faced each other eight times, and the Tigers took the crown every year. The last matchup occurred during the 2021 season, and the Tigers overpowered ULM 101-39.
In the early minutes of the first half, the Warhawks found themselves trailing the Tigers by just one point (16-15). The Tigers gained momentum and extended their lead. By the end of the first half, the Warhawks struggled and fell behind 27-50.
During the second half, ULM’s challenges in scoring and defending against the Tigers persisted. LSU ultimately claimed a 95-60 victory. The Warhawks fought hard, but the Tigers’ aggressive defense and fast-paced offense proved difficult to counter.
Throughout both halves, guard Jalen Bolden proved himself to be ULM’s key player in the game. Bolden amassed an impressive 25 points—his new career high. Bolden also netted an impressive half-court shot to end the first half.
Head coach Keith Richard remarked on the guard’s monumental night.
“Jalen scored the ball well tonight; there’s no question about it. It’s good for him to come home and play well in front of his family and friends,” Richard said. “It’s good for us to know he can have those nights.”
Besides Bolden, forward Jerry Ngopot, guard Tyreese Watson and junior Jacob Wilson also contributed to the team’s effort.
Ngopot finished as ULM’s second-leading scorer with 12 points, six rebounds and a steal. Watson followed with nine points, two rebounds, a steal and an assist, while Wilson added five points, two assists and a rebound to the Warhawks’ overall performances.
The Warhawks will be on the road with the next game against Rice on Nov. 12.
Clarification: The photo pictured was taken at the ULM vs. Champion Christian men’s basketball game, not the game referenced in the story
