MONROE, La. – The ULM men's basketball team (3-12, 0-3 Sun Belt) continues a home swing by hosting Texas State (8-7, 1-2 Sun Belt) in Fant-Ewing Coliseum on Saturday (Jan. 3). Tipoff against the Bobcats is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT. The Warhawks remain on the hunt for a conference win after falling in a 87-73 contest against Southern Miss on January 1. 

SERIES HISTORY – 

The Warhawks will face Texas State for the 68th game in series history, spanning two conferences. This is the final basketball season of the teams competing as Sun Belt opponents, with Texas State leaving the conference. ULM will look to break a four-game skid against the Bobcats, last winning in Monroe in 2023. The first contest between both teams was in 1958 season, ULM claiming the victory. With an 20-12 record in Monroe, ULM will look to maintain the winning record.

SCOUTING THE BOBCATS –

The Bobcats sit at 8-7 across the season, claiming notable nonconference wins over UTSA, Texas Southern, Abilene Christian and Little Rock. Texas State opened conference play with a loss to Arkansas State, then claiming a 67-65 victory over South Alabama. Most recently, the visitors were defeated at Troy. The Bobcats were pegged to finish eighth in the Sun Belt in the preseason poll, with two named to the preseason All-Sun Belt teams. Mark Drone leads the team with a 13.6 scoring average. On the defensive side, DJ Hall averages 7.3 rebounds to lead the team, sitting at fourth in the conference.

FROM THE CHARITY STRIPE – 

The Warhawks have attempted double-digit free throws in 14 of their 15 contests, attempting a whopping 41 free throws against Arkansas Baptist on December 9, making 31. Against the Ragin' Cajuns on December 20, ULM hit 26 free throws. Krystian Lewis led the charge, hitting 15 of his 18 free throws. Lewis leads the Sun Belt and is ranked fifth nationally with 88 free throws made.

DOUBLE-DOUBLES –

Lavell Brodnex has been leading the charge in rebounding since his debut for ULM on November 13. Brodnex has scored in double figures eight times and posted double-digit boards five times, leading to five double-doubles. Brodnex is the only Warhawk this season to register a double-double. 

LEADING THE TEAM –

Four Warhawks average over 10 points per game, MJ Russell leading the pack in scoring with 16.5 points per game. He also leads the team in blocks (1.0) and minutes (35:54). Krystian Lewis averages 2.8 assists and 1.7 steals to lead the team. Lavell Brodnex has collected 111 rebounds across 12 games, averaging 9.3 to lead the Warhawks and rank second in the conference. Brodnex leads the conference in offensive rebounds (3.2) and is second in defensive rebounds (6.1). 

FOLLOW THE WARHAWKS –

Saturday'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 –

ULM will hit the road to Lafayette next week, making the return trip to the Ragin' Cajuns on January 8. Tipoff in the Cajundome is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.