MONROE, La. – The ULM women's basketball team (10-16, 6-9 Sun Belt) defeated Troy (17-11, 11-4 Sun Belt) on Thursday (Feb. 20) night, with four Warhawks scoring in double figures. This is the Warhawks' first win over Troy since 2016, a game in which ULM led the Trojans for 35 minutes.
 
Meloney Thames led the squad for the third-straight game, posting 22 points and five rebounds in the win. Jakayla Johnson also scored 20, along with nine rebounds and two steals. Sakyia White picked up 16 points and nine rebounds and Katlyn Manuel tallied 14 points and two blocks to round out the double-figure scorers.
 
Thames opened the scoring early with a triple, getting to a 5-0 early start for the Warhawks. All 10 of the first points for ULM belonged to Thames. Manuel got in on the action as well, holding down the scoring. The Warhawks went on to shoot 6-7 from the field, a 62% total in the first quarter. Both teams were trading threes, with the Trojans trying to stay in it. A 10-0 scoring run for Troy closed the gap to two, eventually giving them their first lead of the night in the second quarter. A scoring drought for ULM kept the Trojans ahead, leading at the half, 36-35.
 
The Warhawks fought to score early, trading the one-point lead six times throughout the third quarter. Troy shot four of five field goals to keep it tight, but a Nya Valentine triple tied the game and a Johnson three gave ULM the lead that would win it. A three-point play by defensive players like Brikayla Gray kept the Warhawks ahead. A ULM 6-0 run closed the third quarter with a 10-point lead. A Trojan triple and a 6-0 run showed that Troy was not backing down. ULM returned the favor with an 8-0 run, running out the time for the 84-73 win.
 
"To get a win against such a well-respected and well-coached team, shows our team what we can be," said head coach Missy Bilderback. "Proud of our team and our defensive effort today."
 
The Warhawks will play their final home game on Saturday (Feb. 22) afternoon, tipping off at 2 p.m. against the Ragin' Cajuns. Saturday's game will serve as senior day, as well as the 50^th anniversary of ULM Women's Basketball.