The ULM Warhawks women’s basketball team advanced to the third round of the Sun Belt Conference Championships after defeating the Ragin’ Cajuns of Lafayette 79-63 in Pensacola, Florida. The Warhawks maintained a lead throughout the game, shooting 47 percent from the field and making six three-pointers.
Marcavia Shavers led all scorers with 21 points and 13 rebounds, marking her 11th double-double of the season. Jazmine Jackson contributed four three-pointers as part of her 17-point performance. J’Mani Ingram added 16 points, while Keshunti Nichols scored 12.
The Warhawks started strong, taking an early lead after Marissa Gasaway recorded a steal that resulted in Shavers scoring the opening basket. Nakiyah Mays-Prince extended the lead with a three-pointer, and Nichols helped drive a run that put ULM ahead by double digits in the first quarter. At the end of one quarter, ULM led 17-7.
In the second quarter, Jackson hit three consecutive three-pointers to extend ULM’s advantage to 17 points. A significant run allowed Katelyn Chomko to add another three-pointer for ULM. Despite a late push from Lafayette that included ten unanswered points, ULM finished the half ahead by twenty at 41-21.
During the third quarter, both teams exchanged baskets with Amijah Price hitting a key three-pointer for Lafayette. The Cajuns outscored ULM in this period but could not close the gap significantly as turnovers and scoring runs kept ULM ahead going into the final quarter at 63-44.
Lafayette opened the fourth quarter with nine quick points but was unable to overcome their early deficit. Free throws helped secure ULM’s win as they finished with a sixteen-point margin.
With this victory, ULM records its second Sun Belt Tournament win since 2013 and completes a season sweep against Lafayette. The Warhawks will next face Southern Miss Golden Eagles in Pensacola on Thursday at 2 p.m., repeating their regular season finale matchup.
