MONROE, La. – The ULM men's basketball team (3-8) hosts South Alabama (8-3) at Fant-Ewing Coliseum on Wednesday (Dec. 17). Tipoff against the Jaguars is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. to open Sun Belt play.
SERIES HISTORY –
The Warhawks will take on the Jaguars for the 35th time in program history, a series dating back 50 years to 1975. The last meeting between the two teams was January 30, 2025, a victory for ULM, who swept South Alabama last season. Now on a two-game win streak, the Warhawks look to extend the streak to three. In Monroe, ULM has won the last two contests.
SCOUTING THE JAGUARS –
South Alabama sits at 8-3 on the season, claiming notable wins over Toledo, Jacksonville State, UTSA and New Mexico State in nonconference play. Most recently, the Jaguars hit a two-game losing skid, falling to East Tennessee State and North Texas. South Alabama was selected to finish third in the conference, receiving four first-place votes. Adam Olsenleads the team with a 15.6 scoring average and Randy Brady leading with 6.5 rebounds per game.
SUN BELT OPENER –
Since joining the Sun Belt in 2006, ULM is 6-13 in conference openers, going 4-6 when opening in Fant-Ewing Coliseum. The Warhawks have never faced South Alabama in a conference opener and are on the hunt to claim a home victory to open Sun Belt play for the first time since 2019.
FROM THE CHARITY STRIPE –
The Warhawks have attempted double-digit free throws in 10 of their 11 contests, attempting a whopping 41 free throws against Arkansas Baptist on December 9, making 31. Krystian Lewis led the charge, hitting 15 of his 18 free throws. Lewis leads the Sun Belt and is ranked 18th nationally with 65 free throws made. Lavell Brodnex also contributed against the Buffaloes, hitting a perfect 8-8 from the line.
DOUBLE-DOUBLES –
Lavell Brodnex has been leading the charge in rebounding since his debut for ULM on November 13 against HCU. Brodnex has scored in double figures five times and posted double-digit boards four times, leading to four double-doubles. Brodnex is the only Warhawk this season to register a double-double. He is currently on a streak of three-consecutive double-doubles, last recording one (10 points, 13 rebounds) at Miami (Dec. 13).
LEADING THE TEAM –
MJ Russell leads the pack in scoring, averaging 17.5 points, placing him third in the Sun Belt. He also leads the team in blocks (1.2). Krystian Lewis averages 3.3 assists and 1.5 steals to lead the team. Lavell Brodnex has collected 77 rebounds across eight games, averaging 9.6 to lead the Warhawks.
FOLLOW THE WARHAWKS –
Wednesday's game will be available on KLIP 105.3 with Mike Hammett on the call. Streaming will also be available for the game on ESPN+. Links to live stats for all games, when available, can be found at ULMWarhawks.com. Navigate to the men's basketball schedule page and select that day's opponent.
NEXT UP –
The Warhawks will continue to open Sun Belt play at home, hosting the Ragin' Cajuns on Saturday, December 20 in Monroe. Tipoff against the Cajuns is slated for 2 p.m.
