The ULM Warhawks men’s basketball team was eliminated from the Sun Belt Conference Tournament after a loss to Old Dominion in Pensacola, Florida. The Warhawks finished their season with a 4-28 record overall and 1-17 in conference play. Old Dominion improved to 12-20 overall and 7-11 in the Sun Belt.
Old Dominion led early, starting the game with a 14-0 run by making their first eight shots. The Monarchs shot 50 percent from the field and an efficient 65 percent from three-point range, while also getting significant contributions from their bench, which scored 34 points.
Krystian Lewis was the top scorer for ULM with 27 points, including hitting 94 percent of his free throws. Lavell Brodnex and MJ Russell each added 17 points; Brodnex also recorded a double-double by collecting 15 rebounds. Renars Sondors contributed two three-pointers as part of his 10-point performance.
In the first half, Old Dominion’s shooting allowed them to build a lead despite ULM’s efforts. The Warhawks hit four three-pointers before halftime and used strong free throw shooting—making 15 in the first half—to keep within reach at halftime, trailing by eleven.
The second half saw both teams continue to score from beyond the arc. Five different Warhawks made three-pointers during the game. ULM drew fouls and capitalized at the free throw line, converting on 29 of their 34 attempts overall. However, fouls on defense allowed Old Dominion to maintain its advantage through successful three-point plays.
Brodnex cut the deficit to single digits late in the game, and ULM narrowed it further to six points with just over a minute remaining after making five consecutive shots. Despite these efforts, Old Dominion held on for an 87-80 victory after securing key free throws in the final seconds.
After this loss, ULM’s season comes to an end without advancing further in conference play.
