ULM women’s basketball hosted Eastern Michigan for its first game of the season in an MAC/SBC challenge for the Warhawks’ home opener. Eastern Michigan played even for most of the game, but the Warhawks’ aggressive defense created a lead that resulted in an 80-71 win at home.
Asjah Inniss set the tone for ULM’s aggressive defense early in the first quarter, grabbing a steal and scoring the first points of the game on the fast break. Eastern Michigan was not deterred by their early turnover, trading points with the Warhawks until the end of the first where the Eagles lead 18-19.
The Warhawks’ defense continued putting pressure in the second quarter, but foul trouble prevented them from building a lead. Despite fouls slowing ULM, a quarter with efficient shooting saw the game tied with 40 seconds left, where Nakiyah Mays-Prince would make a three to end the half with a lead (38-35).
ULM kept its offensive momentum in the third quarter, putting together its highest scoring quarter with 22 points. Alongside offensive success, the Warhawks’ defense oppressed the Eagles as they got lost in the pace, falling behind the Warhawks, making the score 60-49 to end the quarter.
Although halfway through the fourth quarter, ULM was able to extend its lead to 17 points; foul trouble returned to give the Eagles four free throws in 30 seconds. Following the free throws, Eastern Michigan went on a 10-1 run to shave the ULM lead down to eight points with a minute remaining. In the face of a late-game surge, the Warhawks regained their composure to secure the game with free throws.
ULM’s defense consistently forced turnovers from Eastern Michigan, but posted 26 fouls and entered the bonus in all quarters except the third. Regardless of foul struggles, head coach Scotty Fletcher debuted with a win, showcasing his team’s aggressive defensive approach and potential.
ULM women’s basketball hosted Louisiana Tech in its second consecutive home game, showcasing the roster’s experience and depth in a win over the Lady Techsters.
LA Tech traded baskets with the Warhawks through the first quarter but was unable to steal the momentum while Keshunti Nichols was a defensive pest. Her defensive efforts produced three steals in the first quarter, stunning the Lady Techsters’ offense while ULM’s quality three-point looks built with a 24-18 lead to end the quarter.
The Warhawks lost their footing to start the second, allowing a 10-0 run for LA Tech that tied the game two minutes into the quarter. ULM managed to regain control, starting a run of their own with four straight points. The Lady Techsters created an opening to end the run early with a three-on-one fast break started by a steal. J’mani Ingram refused to give up momentum, snuffing out the break with a chase-down block. Defensive heroics extended the run until the end of the second, where the Warhawks lead 37-29.
The Warhawks’ foul trouble allowed a third-quarter comeback, with 10 fouls in the quarter. Despite both teams shooting below 30% in the third quarter, ULM fouls created a free-throw deficit of nine in favor of LA Tech. A poor third saw the Warhawks’ lead drop to one, ending the quarter 50-49.
ULM’s superior bench play, adding nine points along with Asjah Inniss’ seven, created a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter. LA Tech was able to cut the lead down a few points, but fell in the end, with a score of 70-62.
Throughout the game, ULM’s bench scored 38 points compared to LA Tech’s 14. A team composed of players with multiple years of experience, created depth that head coach Scotty Fletcher leveraged throughout the game to improve to 2-0 on the season.
Next week, ULM will host Grambling State on Nov. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
