NEW ORLEANS – The ULM women's basketball team (3-6) will be traveling to New Orleans for its nonconference finale, competing in the Tulane Holiday Tournament. The Warhawks will face the Central Arkansas Sugar Bears (6-2) at noon on Friday (Dec. 20) to open the tournament. Depending on results, they will then take on either Tulane or Alabama A&M at noon or 2:30 p.m. on Saturday (Dec. 21).

SUGAR BEAR SERIES HISTORY –

The Sugar Bears and the Warhawks are playing for the first time in the Missy Bilderback era, their last matchup coming in Monroe on Nov. 19, 2022, a 53-60 loss. ULM has never beaten Central Arkansas in their five matches, dating back 13 years. The first meeting in the series was Nov. 25, 2011, when the Sugar Bears beat the Warhawks in neutral territory, 73-55.

SCOUTING THE SUGAR BEARS –

The Sugar Bears are looking to extend a two-game win streak in their lone tournament of the season. Most recently, Central Arkansas claimed a victory at Northwestern State, 62-52. The team also marked wins over Little Rock, UT Martin and Samford. Two losses come from Big 12 opponents Oklahoma State and Kansas State. Jade Upshaw leads the team in points per game (16.9), winning Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Week honors in November after a 22-point showing versus UT Martin. Upshaw, along with Kinley Fisher and Randrea Wright, were named to the Preseason All-ASUN team.

TULANE SERIES HISTORY –

Tulane and ULM have a storied history, as an in-state matchup, playing for the 17th time. The two teams are also playing for the first time since 2012. The first matchup came Jan. 23, 1975, with ULM coming out on top, 59-39. The Warhawks went on a three-game win streak before getting stricken with losses from the Green Wave. The most recent meeting was Nov. 12, 2012 in Monroe, where Tulane claimed their seventh straight victory over ULM, 70-60.

SCOUTING THE GREEN WAVE –

Tulane remains at home to host the Tulane Holiday Tournament, first taking on Alabama A&M on Friday. The Green Wave is on a two-game win streak, beating North Dakota State and Mercer. In head coach Ashley Langford's first season, Tulane has also claimed wins over Grambling State, Jackson State and Florida. Tulane is second in the AAC in blocks per game (4.3), led by Dyllan Hanna, who boasts 1.8 blocks per game. Freshman Kendall Sneed has been named AAC Freshman of the Week in two consecutive weeks, currently leading the team in assists per game (4.6).

NEW OPPONENTS –

ULM and Alabama A&M, if they compete, will be meeting for the first time in program history. The Bulldogs are one of five first-time opponents this season, the others being Central Baptist, Hawaii, Saint Mary's and Georgia Tech.

SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS –

The Bulldogs are working to build off an undefeated run on the road, finding wins over San Diego, Lindenwood and North Alabama. Kaila Walker and Lauryn Pendleton both average double figures with 15.2 and 12.1 points per game, respectively. Walker and Pendleton also claimed SWAC Impact Player of the Week and Newcomer of the Week on Dec. 4. Preseason SWAC Defensive Player of the Year Alisha Wilson leads the team and is second in the conference in rebounds per game (8.8).

LEADING THE TEAM –

Jakayla Johnson led the team with a 25-point game and four three-pointers against Hawaii on Nov. 22. She now leads the team in points per game (14.4), field goals made (56) and free throws (25). Johnson is also fifth in the Sun Belt in points per game. Sakyia White opened the season going 9-9 vs. Central Baptist (Nov. 4), dropping 18 points and leading the team in the home opener, leading the team with a .517 field goal percentage.

FOLLOW THE WARHAWKS –

Friday and Saturday's games will be available on KMLB 105.7 FM/540 AM with Adam Holland on the call. Streaming will be available for games featuring host team Tulane. Links to live stats for all games, when available, can be found at ULMWarhawks.com. Navigate to the women's basketball schedule page and select that day's opponent.

LOOKING AHEAD –

The women's basketball team will remain on the road to open conference play, taking on Coastal Carolina on Sunday, Dec. 29. Tipoff is scheduled for noon CT in Conway, S.C.