Game 25: ULM (13-11, 6-6 Sun Belt) vs. TEXAS STATE (21-5, 10-3 Sun Belt)
Thursday, Feb. 21 | 7 p.m.
San Marcos, Texas | Strahan Arena (10,000)
ULM Basketball Notes: Game 25 vs. Texas State
STORYLINE –
ULM (13-11, 6-6 Sun Belt) travels to first-place Texas State (21-5, 10-3) on Thursday, Feb. 21 in search of its first conference road win of the season (0-5). The Warhawks are currently locked in a three-way tie for fifth in the Sun Belt standings at 6-6. Four of the last five games in the ULM-Texas State series have been decided by eight points or less.
ULM's starting lineup features four double-figure scorers, in 6-foot-1 guard Daishon Smith (22.0 points per game; 76 3-pointers), 6-2 guard Michael Ertel (15.3 ppg., 54 3-pointers), 6-6 forward Travis Munnings (13.6 ppg., 7.6 rpg.) and 6-4 guard JD Williams (12.7 ppg.).
THE STARTING FIVE –
• ULM ranks among the NCAA Division I leaders in free-throw percentage (third at .785), 3-point field-goal percentage (10th at .394) and 3-point field goals made (24th at 9.8 per game).
The Warhawks lead the Sun Belt in three different statistical categories: 3-point field-goal percentage, free-throw percentage and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.2). ULM also ranks among the league leaders in 3-point field goals made per game (second), scoring offense (fourth at 78.2 points per game), scoring margin (fourth at +3.9 ppg.), turnover margin (fifth at +1.2), scoring defense (sixth at 74.3 ppg.) and assists (sixth at 13.5 pg.).
• Three-point field goals have accounted for 37 percent of ULM's scoring (234 3-pointers made; 702 of 1,876 points) in 2018-19. The Warhawks have made double-digit 3-pointers in 11 games, including seven of their first 12 Sun Belt games. ULM is averaging a league-best 10.5 3-pointers per game in Sun Belt play.
The Warhawks tied the school single-game record with 17 3s in the 2019 conference opener against Little Rock. (ULM also made 17 3-pointers in a 90-82 overtime win at Georgia State on Feb. 10, 2018). ULM has attempted at least 20 3-pointers in 20 of their first 24 games.
In 2017-18, ULM set a school single-season record with 288 3-pointers made (previous record: 287 made, 2006-07).
• ULM is 8-1 this season when limiting its opponents to 69 points or less. The Warhawks have held four opponents to a field-goal percentage below 39 percent.
The Warhawks also have made nearly as many free throws (410) as their opponents have attempted (417) this season. Through the first 24 games, ULM has outscored its opponents, 410-290, from the free-throw line.
• ULM has compiled a 13-8 record with senior guard Daishon Smith in the starting lineup (sidelined for three games with a hamstring injury; DNP in road games at Texas, Michigan State and Tennessee Tech). Smith ranks among the NCAA Division I leaders in free-throw percentage (fifth at .899), 3-point field goals made (12th at 3.62 per game), scoring (21st at 22.0 points per game), steals (28th at 2.19 pg.) and 3-point field-goal percentage (35th at .425). He leads the Sun Belt in five different statistical categories: scoring (tied with Arkansas State's Ty Cockfield), 3-point field goals made per game, 3-point field-goal percentage, free-throw percentage and steals. Smith also ranks among the league leaders in assist-to-turnover ratio (fourth at 1.8), assists (fifth at 3.9 pg.), field-goal percentage (ninth at .459) and minutes played (ninth at 33.4 pg.).
The Jacksonville, Florida, native has scored in double figures in 20 games, including 12 20-point outings. Smith has scored in double figures in 17-straight games, averaging 23.1 points during that span. He is averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists in Sun Belt play.
• With his offensive rebound with 1:17 left in the first half against the Ragin' Cajuns, ULM senior forward Travis Munnings became just the fourth player in school history to score at least 1,000 career points and collect at least 800 career rebounds.
Members of ULM's 1,000/800 Club include Calvin Natt (1975-79: 2,581 points and 1,285 rebounds), Henry Steele (1968-72: 1,933 points and 1,161 rebounds), Bill Snellings (1966-71: 1,215 points and 1,093 rebounds) and Munnings (2015-19: 1,517 points and 865 rebounds).
In addition, Munnings became the 20th player in Sun Belt history to reach the 800-rebound career milestone.
LOOSE BALLS –
Eight of ULM's last 10 games have been decided by seven points or less (3-5 record). ... ULM has led at the half in 15 of its 24 games and outscored its opponents, 879-805, in the first half this season. ... The Warhawks have made 20 or more free throws in 10 games. ULM has shot better than 80 percent from the free-throw line in 12 of 24 games, including eight of its last 13 contests. … ULM has outrebounded nine of its last 11 opponents, and its +10 rebound margin (37-27) in an 82-76 victory over Georgia State marked its second-largest edge of the season. ... ULM ranks among the NCAA Division I leaders in fewest fouls committed (No. 14 at 378). The Warhawks have been whistled for fewer fouls than their opponents in 17 of 24 games. … Only one of ULM's first 11 opponents managed for shoot 50 percent or better from the field (Ole Miss .524); however, the Warhawks have struggled on the defensive end of the floor during the second half of the season. Eight of ULM's last 13 opponents have shot 50 percent or better from the floor, including five of the last six Sun Belt foes. ... ULM ranks second in the Sun Belt in attendance for league home games (3,768 per game) and third in overall average home attendance (2,874 per game).
TEXAS STATE SCOUTING REPORT –
Texas State (21-5 overall) has surged into first place in the Sun Belt standings at 10-3 with four-straight victories. Overall, the Bobcats have won nine of their last 11 league games. The 21 regular-season wins are the most since the 1993-94 campaign. Texas State is 10-2 in games played in Strahan Arena this season, including a 5-2 record in Sun Belt games.
The Bobcats' starting lineup features two double-figure scorers, in 6-foot-5 guard Nijal Pearson (18.5 ppg., 71 3-pointers) and 6-2 guard Tre'Larenz Nottingham (13.7 ppg., 68 3-pointers).
Pearson ranks among the Sun Belt's Top 10 in five different statistical categories: second in 3-point field goals made (second at 2.7 pg.), second in 3-point field-goal percentage (.415), seventh in scoring, eighth in steals (1.3 pg.) and 10th in minutes played (33.0 pg.). He averaged 22.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game in Texas State's road sweep at Arkansas State and Little Rock. Pearson, who already ranks as Texas State's fifth all-time leading scorer with 1,459 career points, has scored in double figures in 23 of 26 games this season, including 10 20-point efforts.
Nottingham is listed among the league's Top 10 in 3-point field goals made (third at 2.6 pg.), 3-point field-goal percentage (third at .327) and steals (tied for ninth at 1.3 pg.). He has posted double figures in 19 of 26 games, including five 20-point performances.
Texas State 6-1 guard Jaylen Shead ranks among the conference leaders in assist-to-turnover ratio (first at 2.7), assists (third at 5.0 pg.) and steals (tied for ninth at 1.3 pg.).
The Bobcats lead the Sun Belt in six different statistical categories, including scoring defense (64.0 ppg.), scoring margin (+10.8 ppg.), field-goal percentage defense (.403), 3-point field-goal percentage defense (.291), rebound margin (+5.7 pg.) and assists (15.5 pg.).
ULM/TEXAS STATE SERIES NOTES –
Thursday's game marks the 53rd meeting between ULM and Texas State. The Warhawks lead the all-time series, 30-22, including an 11-12 record in games played in San Marcos. The Bobcats have won four of the last five meetings. ULM's last win in Strahan Arena came on Feb. 18, 2016, 76-57.
ULM and Texas State split the regular-season series a year ago, with each team winning on its home floor. The Bobcats won the first meeting, 55-52, on Jan. 12, 2018, in Strahan Arena while the Warhawks took the second meeting, 79-71, on Feb. 17, 2018, in Fant-Ewing Coliseum.
THE LAST MEETING –
ULM 79, Texas State 71 (Feb. 17, 2018, in Monroe, La.): ULM head basketball coach Keith Richard doesn't typically post motivational signs in the locker room, but he had one ready for Saturday's game.
"Find a way to win," the sign directed.
"My only thing was, find a way to win," Richard said. "I don't care if it's ugly, pretty, one point or 20 points. Just find a way to win. We need this one. The team got it and we're happy."
The surging Warhawks topped Texas State, 79-71, Saturday afternoon at Fant-Ewing Coliseum and claimed their fourth-straight win.
Winners of six games in their last seven outings, the Warhawks improved to 13-12 overall and evened their Sun Belt record at 7-7.
Leading the charge was Travis Munnings, who scored 26 points, made five 3-pointers and had five rebounds and two steals in 38 minutes.
The Warhawks shot 54.5 percent as a team and enjoyed balanced scoring. Michael Ertel added 19 points and five assists, Marvin Jean-Pierre scored 14 with four assists and Jordon Harris scored 12 points with three 3-pointers. ULM made 11-of-25 3-pointers.
Munnings tallied 15 first-half points, and ULM finished on a 14-2 run over the final 4:07 to lead 37-31 at the break. Texas State shot 50 percent in the half and led by as many as eight but couldn't slow the Warhawks once they seized momentum.
Immanuel King scored 22 points to lead Texas State (14-14, 7-8).
MUNNINGS JOINS EXCLUSIVE 1,000/800 CLUB –
With his offensive rebound with 1:17 left in the first half against the Ragin' Cajuns, ULM senior forward Travis Munnings became just the fourth player in school history to score at least 1,000 career points and collect at least 800 career rebounds.
Members of ULM's 1,000/800 Club include Calvin Natt (1975-79: 2,581 points and 1,285 rebounds), Henry Steele (1968-72: 1,933 points and 1,161 rebounds), Bill Snellings (1966-71: 1,215 points and 1,093 rebounds) and Munnings (2015-19: 1,517 points and 865 rebounds).
In addition, Munnings became the 20th player in Sun Belt history to reach the 800-rebound career milestone.
DIALED IN FROM 3-POINT RANGE –
Three-point field goals have accounted for 37 percent of ULM's scoring (234 3-pointers made; 702 of 1,876 points) in 2018-19. The Warhawks have made double-digit 3-pointers in 11 games, including seven of their first 12 Sun Belt games. ULM is averaging a league-best 10.5 3-pointers per game in Sun Belt play.
The Warhawks tied the school single-game record with 17 3s in the 2019 conference opener against Little Rock. (ULM also made 17 3-pointers in a 90-82 overtime win at Georgia State on Feb. 10, 2018). ULM has attempted at least 20 3-pointers in 20 of their first 24 games.
In 2017-18, ULM set a school single-season record with 288 3-pointers made (previous record: 287 made, 2006-07).
ULM TOUGH TO BEAT WHEN SHOOTING 50 PERCENT OR BETTER FROM THE FIELD –
ULM is 15-2 in its last 17 games when shooting 50 percent or better from the field, with its only losses coming at Appalachian State (.527) and against Arkansas State (.509) in the 2017-18 regular-season finale. The Warhawks are 6-1 when hitting 50 percent or better from the floor in 2018-19, with wins over Millsaps (.516), Northwestern State (.509), Nicholls State (season-best .559), Coppin State (.500), Little Rock (.556) and Georgia Southern (.500) and a loss at Appalachian State (.527).
RICHARD REACHES COACHING MILESTONES –
With an 80-63 victory over Coppin State on Dec. 21, Keith Richard reached two coaching milestones by recording his 100th win at ULM and his 250th career win.
WARHAWK STAT LEADERS –
Double-figure scoring games (82): Michael Ertel 20, Daishon Smith 20, JD Williams 18, Travis Munnings 16, Jontray Harris 3, Brandon Newman 2, Andre Washington 2, Tyree White 1. Opponents: 80.
20-point games (24): Daishon Smith 12, Michael Ertel 6, Travis Munnings 4, JD Williams 2. Opponents: 18.
30-point games (4): Daishon Smith 3, Travis Munnings 1. Opponents: 2.
40-point games (1): Daishon Smith 1. Opponents: None.
Double-figure rebounding games (8): Travis Munnings 4, Andre Washington 3, Jontray Harris 1. Opponents: 12.
Double-doubles (2): Travis Munnings 2. Opponents: 11.
Games leading ULM in scoring: Daishon Smith 13, Travis Munnings 6, Michael Ertel 4, JD Williams 2.
Games leading ULM in rebounding: Travis Munnings 14, Andre Washington 7, JD Williams 3, Jontray Harris 1, Tyree White 1.
Games leading ULM in assists: Daishon Smith 14, Michael Ertel 6, Travis Munnings 5, Brandon Newman 4, Jontray Harris 2, JD Williams 2.
2018-19 ULM STARTING LINEUPS –
Different Starting Combinations (5):
Ertel, Smith, Williams, Munnings, Washington: 17 (11-6)
Ertel, Smith, Williams, Munnings, T. White: 3 (1-2)
Ertel, Harris, Williams, Munnings, T. White: 2 (0-2)
Ertel, Smith, Harris, Munnings, Washington: 1 (1-0)
Ertel, Harris, Williams, Munnings, Washington: 1 (0-1)
2018-19 WARHAWK STATISTICAL TRENDS –
Games played in Fant-Ewing Coliseum: 11-1
Games played on the road: 2-10
Games played in November: 3-3
Games played in December: 4-2
Games played in January: 4-4
Games played in February: 2-2
When leading at halftime: 12-3
When trailing at halftime: 1-8
When tied at halftime: 0-0
When shooting .500 or better from the field: 6-1
When shooting less than .500 from the field: 7-10
When opponent shoots .500 or better from the field: 3-6
When opponent shoots less than .500 from the floor: 10-5
When outrebounding opponent: 8-4
When outrebounded by opponent: 4-6
When rebounding totals are equal: 1-1
When hitting more free throws than opponent: 11-5
When hitting fewer free throws than opponent: 1-4
When hitting the same number of free throws as opponent: 1-2
When committing fewer turnovers than opponent: 10-1
When opponent commits fewer turnovers: 3-9
When turnover totals are equal: 0-1
When ULM scores 50-59 points: 0-2
When ULM scores 60-69 points: 0-2
When ULM scores 70-79 points: 4-5
When ULM scores 80-89 points: 5-2
When ULM scores 90-99 points: 4-0
When opponent scores 50-59 points: 3-0
When opponent scores 60-69 points: 5-1
When opponent scores 70-79 points: 3-4
When opponent scores 80-89 points: 1-5
When opponent scores 90-99 points: 1-1
Games decided by five points or less: 2-3
Games decided by 6-10 points: 5-4
Games decided by 11-19 points: 3-2
Games decided by 20 points or more: 3-2
Last five games: 2-3
Last 10 games: 4-6
Largest deficit overcome to win: 6 (3x) (12-6 vs. Georgia Southern, Feb. 8); (8-2 vs. Troy, Jan. 24); and (6-0 vs. Little Rock, Jan. 3)
Largest lead surrendered in a loss: 14 (53-39 at Georgia Southern, Jan. 10)
