ULM Warhawks prevail against Texas State women’s basketball

By: Grace Reddic

KTSW Reporter

SAN MARCOS, Texas – Despite the Bobcat’s third-quarter comeback, it was not enough to overcome the ULM Warhawks as Texas State lost with a final score of 74-66 inside Strahan Arena.

Texas State and the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks were battling from the beginning tip-off. Both teams put points on the board with the Bobcats scoring first, however the Warhawks ended the first quarter leading Texas State 21-16. The momentum from this lead carried over into the second quarter for the ULM Warhawks. 

Throughout the duration of the second quarter, the Bobcats continued to cut the deficit between themselves and the Warhawks.  Junior guard Blake Matthews contributed defensively to help prevent the Warhawks from scoring, but Matthews’ transitioning and help on the other side of the ball was noticeable to spectators. 

Speaking of offensive contributions for Texas State, senior forward Jaylin Foster recorded a 22-point game to help propel the Bobcats work to eliminate the ULM deficit.  

Also contributing to the Bobcat’s offensive success was sophomore guard Ja’Mia Harris. The sophomore scored 15 points throughout the game and her defense was impactful for Texas State. 

 Despite the improvements for the Bobcats in the second quarter, the Warhawks led the maroon and gold 38-29 going into the halftime break.  

Texas State began the second half on the right foot. The Bobcats were able to score 21 points, the most they would score in a quarter all game. The Bobcats were also able to pick up their defensive pressure to slow down the ULM scoring. Texas State allowed 10 points to the ULM Warhawks, the least amount they would score in a quarter throughout the game.  

 As a result of Texas State’s efforts, they would enter the fourth and final quarter of the game leading the Warhawks 50-48.  

 Head coach Zenarae Antoine spoke about defensive halftime adjustments that helped contribute to the Bobcats’ performance during the third and fourth quarters. 

 “Just an understanding of what we need to do better on our defensive rotations. And understanding how [ULM] were scoring in the paint, which they were doing a very good job at.”  

 Using the momentum of the third quarter, the Bobcats continued to battle with the Warhawks from the beginning of the fourth until the end. The Warhawks were able to score 26 points in the fourth period while holding the Bobcats to 16 points.  

 Ultimately in the end, the efforts of the Bobcats were not enough and the Warhawks were able to come out on top with the final score of the game being 74-66.  

 The Texas State women’s basketball team drops to 9- 10 overall and 3-6 in conference. Antoine elaborated on what this loss means for the Bobcats in the big picture.  

 “When you talk about now and what that snapshot looks like, we have to get better right now defensively at not allowing easy opportunities in the paint, getting better and growing our zone. I think that’s going to be part of it as well,” Antoine said. “So, pack it in some and then we have to box out, [we] got to get rebounds and knock in the easy putbacks.” 

 The Bobcats will look ahead to secure their next win against Southern Miss in Hattiesburg Mississippi, on January 30th at 6 p.m. The Southern Miss Golden Eagles post a 7-13 record and are 2-3 in their last five games.