MONROE, La. – The ULM women's basketball team (9-12, 5-5 Sun Belt) dropped its home contest against Texas State (10-11, 4-7 Sun Belt) in a tight game. The Warhawks held on until the buzzer rang out, with three players scoring in double figures. Both teams are credited with 19 turnovers apiece, with four lead changes and six ties throughout the contest.
 
Sakyia White shot 6-10 from the field, leading the team with 13 points, six rebounds and two steals. Nya Valentine went 3-3 beyond the arc to add to her 12-point tally, including a three-pointer from half court at the halftime buzzer. Jakayla Johnson rounded out the double-digit scoring with 12 points, five rebounds and five assists. Cianté Downs led the team with five steals on the day, logging four points as well.
 
Texas State opened with an early lead, hitting a triple early to open the scoring 5-0. An 8-0 run added to the Bobcat tally, with White and Brikayla Gray fighting to keep ULM in the game. Gray's back-to-back steal and scores gave the Warhawks the advantage, until a scoring drought ended the first quarter with Texas State ahead by one. The Bobcats opened the second quarter just as strong as the first, going on a 6-0 run to extend their lead. A major block for Katlyn Manuel got the Warhawks back on track, with another steal by Gray keep up the momentum. A 7-0 run continued the lead for the Bobcats, with Valentine's half-court shot at the buzzer closing the gap to 40-32.
 
Laila Walker got the Warhawks going in the second half, with Valentine getting hot from the beyond the arc. The point guard hit two triples, getting ULM on a 7-0 run and getting the Bobcat lead down to four at the end of the third. Johnson began to get it going, scoring on a steal and getting a three-point play to battle back from a 13-point deficit. A fourth three-pointer by Texas State helped the Bobcats maintain their lead, going on a 7-0 run to stay on top. ULM returned the favor, however, going on an 8-0 run to try for the comeback win. In the final seconds, the Warhawks were down three and made an attempt at the game-tying shot, but a turnover ended the game, 64-67.
 
The Warhawks will remain home for the final in a three-game homestand, taking on the Appalachian State Mountaineers on Wednesday (Feb. 5), celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Tip-off at Fant-Ewing Coliseum is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT for Thursday's game.