Preview: Texas State Looks to Bounce Back at Struggling Louisiana-Monroe

MONROE, La. (Interstat) — The Texas State Bobcats aim to steady their Sun Belt Conference campaign when they visit the reeling Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at Fant-Ewing Coliseum.

Texas State (8-7) enters after a tough 100-80 road loss at Troy on Wednesday, where its defense faltered. The Bobcats will rely on forward DJ Hall, who shined in that defeat with 22 points and nine rebounds. Hall has been a consistent force, averaging 14 points over his last four games, including a 15-point, six-rebound effort in a narrow win over South Alabama on Dec. 20.

Louisiana-Monroe (3-12) seeks to end a five-game skid, most recently an 87-73 home loss to Southern Mississippi on New Year’s Day. The Warhawks’ bright spot has been guard Lavell Brodnex, who scored 20 points in that contest. Brodnex has been a volume scorer and stat-sheet filler, posting a 22-point, 18-rebound performance in a win over Arkansas Baptist on Dec. 9 and averaging 18.2 points over his last six outings.

The matchup pits Texas State’s quest for conference stability against a ULM team desperate for any positive momentum. The Warhawks’ defense has been a persistent issue, allowing an average of 90.2 points during their current losing streak.

For Texas State, balance beyond Hall is key. Mark Drone added 20 points and eight assists against Troy, providing necessary backcourt production. Louisiana-Monroe will need more from its supporting cast around Brodnex, as Krystian Lewis (18 points vs. Southern Miss) is the only other Warhawk averaging double-figures in recent play.

This game opens the Sun Belt schedule for both teams. Texas State’s upcoming slate includes a quick turnaround at Southern Mississippi next Thursday. ULM faces a daunting start to league play, with a road trip to rival Louisiana-Lafayette looming next Thursday.

Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon in Monroe.