HUNTSVILLE, Texas (Interstat) — The Sam Houston Bearkats used a dominant second and third quarter to pull away from the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks, securing a 57-34 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball game Thursday night at Johnson Coliseum.

In a contest defined by defensive pressure and offensive struggles, the Bearkats steadily built their lead, holding the Warhawks to single-digit scoring in two quarters before an announced crowd of 432.

The game was a defensive battle from the start, with Sam Houston taking an 11-4 lead after the first quarter. The Bearkats extended their advantage in the second period, outscoring ULM 17-14 to carry a 28-18 lead into halftime.

Any hope of a Warhawks comeback was extinguished in the third quarter, as Sam Houston delivered its most potent offensive stretch. The Bearkats erupted for 19 points while their defense clamped down, limiting Louisiana-Monroe to just five points in the period. The 19-5 quarter gave Sam Houston a commanding 47-23 lead heading into the final frame, effectively sealing the outcome.

Sam Houston’s offense was powered by a standout performance from Fanta Kone. The guard from Bamako, Mali, led all scorers with 22 points, proving to be a consistent offensive force throughout the game. She was complemented by backcourt mate Annika Corcoran of Chardon, Ohio, who added 13 points and three assists. Deborah Ogayemi, a forward from Waterford, Ireland, provided a strong interior presence, finishing with 11 points, one assist and one block.

The Warhawks, who entered the game with a perfect 4-0 record, were led by Marcavia Shavers of Biloxi, Mississippi, who scored eight points. Asjah Inniss of Suwanee, Georgia, contributed six points and three assists, while Nakiyah Mays-Prince of Chicago added five points and two assists. The team’s offense never found a consistent rhythm against the swarming Sam Houston defense.

With the win, both teams now hold identical 4-1 records early in the season. The loss was the first of the year for Louisiana-Monroe, which had opened with wins over Eastern Michigan, Louisiana Tech, Grambling and Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Sam Houston, which had previously defeated Southwestern Christian, Prairie View and Arkansas-Pine Bluff after a season-opening loss to Texas Christian, will look to continue its momentum when it hosts North American on Tuesday.

Louisiana-Monroe will attempt to rebound when it returns home to face Lamar on Sunday.