LAFAYETTE, La. – The ULM men's basketball team (3-13, 0-4 Sun Belt) make the return trip to Lafayette, facing the Ragin' Cajuns (3-13, 1-3 Sun Belt) in the Cajundome on Thursday (Jan. 8). Tipoff against the Cajuns is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT. The Warhawks are looking to bounce back after a tight 84-79 loss at home to Texas State.

SERIES HISTORY – 

The Warhawks will take on the Cajuns for the 91st game of the series, dating back to the 1953-54 season. Lafayette holds the 62-28 series advantage and remains on a four-game win streak. The Warhawks look to defeat the Cajuns in Lafayette for the first time since 2021, up against a 5-40 record at ULL. In the most recent matchup, the Ragin' Cajuns defeated ULM in Monroe on December 20 this season with a score of 76-62, looking to secure the second-consecutive season sweep.

SCOUTING THE CAJUNS –

The Cajuns sits at 3-13 on the season, claiming a win over Southeastern at home, 58-52 and picking up their lone conference win in Monroe. In Sun Belt play, the Lafayette snagged its lone conference win in Monroe on December 20, falling in back-to-back games against South Alabama and Southern Miss. While weathering a tough schedule, ULL ranks third in the conference with a scoring defense allowing only 68.6 points per game. Jamyron Keller leads the team averaging 17 points per game, Dorian Finister leading on the other side of the ball with 5.1 rebounds per game.

1K FOR BRODNEX –

Lavell Brodnex is the most recent of ULM men's basketball players to cross the 1,000-point threshold, achieving the milestone against Texas State in a 23-point showing. The Saginaw, Mich., native drilled a three with 43 seconds remaining in the first half to reach the milestone. The forward arrives this season in Monroe after a season at Wagner College, posting eight points and two seasons at Cameron University where he tallied 800 points. Brodnex's tally in Monroe sits at 198, just two shy of the 200 mark this season.

LEADING THE TEAM –

Four Warhawks average over 10 points per game, Krystian Lewis leading the pack in scoring with 16.7 points per game. He also leads the team in assists (2.8) and steals (1.7). Lavell Brodnex has collected 111 rebounds across 12 games, averaging 9.3 to lead the Warhawks and rank second in the conference. 

BRODNEX BOARDS –

Lavell Brodnex has been leading the charge in rebounding since his debut for ULM on November 13, averaging 9.1 boards per game. The 9.1 rebound average ranks 36th nationally and second in the Sun Belt. Brodnex also leads the conference in offensive rebounds (3.0) and is second in defensive rebounds (6.1). The forward reached a career high of 18 rebounds against Arkansas Baptist, the second-most recorded by a Sun Belt player this season.

TRIPLE THE FUN –

On December 17 against South Alabama, ULM hit 19 three-pointers, 12 coming in the first half. The 19 triples is a team-high across all Sun Belt teams this season, Krystian Lewis claiming the Sun Belt high with eight triples. The Warhawks sit at fourth in the conference with a .346 three-point percentage.

FROM THE CHARITY STRIPE – 

The Warhawks have attempted double-digit free throws in 15 of their 16 contests, attempting a whopping 41 free throws against Arkansas Baptist on December 9, making 31. The 41 attempted free throws is the second-most attempted by a Sun Belt team this season. 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 ninth nationally with 93 free throws made.

MAC/SBC CHALLENGE – 

The Warhawk men's basketball team has been participating in the third MAC-SBC Challenge this season, next hosting Ball State on February 7, in matchups jointly announced by the Mid-American Conference and Sun Belt Conference on January 6. The men's basketball matchup against the Cardinals will be the fifth in series history. ULM traveled to face Northern Illinois in November to open the season, falling in a 102-82 contest.

FOLLOW THE WARHAWKS –

Thursday'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 continue on another return trip, next facing Southern Miss in Hattiesburg on Saturday (Jan. 10). Tipoff against the Golden Eagles is set for 2 p.m.