SAN MARCOS, Texas (Interstat) — A dominant third-quarter surge propelled the Texas State women’s basketball team to a 79-69 victory over Louisiana-Monroe in a Sun Belt Conference matchup on Saturday at Strahan Coliseum.

The game, which featured two teams entering with identical 4-6 records, was a tale of contrasting halves. The first half was a tightly contested affair, with Louisiana-Monroe taking a 41-31 lead into the locker room. The Warhawks built that advantage behind efficient three-point shooting, connecting on 7 of 14 attempts from beyond the arc in the game, and capitalizing on 14 Texas State turnovers to score 22 points.

The second half, however, belonged entirely to the Bobcats. Texas State emerged from the break with renewed defensive intensity and offensive purpose, outscoring Louisiana-Monroe 48-28 over the final 20 minutes. The pivotal third quarter saw the Bobcats explode for 24 points while holding the Warhawks to just 11, completely flipping the momentum of the contest.

Texas State’s turnaround was fueled by superior efficiency and interior dominance. The Bobcats shot a blistering 58 percent from the field for the game, making 29 of their 50 attempts. They also controlled the paint, outscoring Louisiana-Monroe 46-30 near the basket and earning 23 free throw attempts, making 17.

Louisiana-Monroe, conversely, struggled with its shooting touch after halftime, finishing the game at 39 percent from the floor. The Warhawks also committed 18 turnovers, which Texas State converted into 24 points.

The individual performances underscored the team efforts. Texas State was led by the standout duo of Kyra Anderson and Saniya Burks. Anderson, a 6-foot-1 guard from Huntington, Texas, scored a game-high 24 points, many on decisive drives to the basket. Burks, a 5-8 guard from Mexia, Texas, added 22 points and four assists, providing a consistent scoring threat throughout. Forward Angela Carroll of Waco contributed 14 points, two assists and two blocks, anchoring the defense during the key second-half run.

For Louisiana-Monroe, Jazmine Jackson of Jacksonville, Florida, led the way with 17 points, including three three-pointers. J’Mani Ingram of North Augusta, South Carolina, added 15 points, while Nakiyah Mays-Prince chipped in 13 points and four assists. Marcavia Shavers of Biloxi, Mississippi, scored 10 points but was limited by foul trouble.

The most important part of the game was unquestionably Texas State’s third-quarter blitz. Trailing by 10, the Bobcats opened the second half on a 14-4 run to tie the game, fueled by aggressive defense that forced Louisiana-Monroe into rushed shots and turnovers. Anderson and Carroll combined for 12 points in the quarter’s first six minutes, erasing the deficit and seizing control. The Warhawks, who had executed well in the first half, went scoreless for stretches and could not match Texas State’s physicality or shot-making during this decisive period. The Bobcats’ ability to lock down defensively—holding ULM to 11 points on 4-of-15 shooting in the quarter—while simultaneously finding an offensive rhythm completely changed the complexion of the contest and built a lead they would not relinquish.

With the win, Texas State evens its season record at 5-6 overall. Louisiana-Monroe falls to 5-6. Both teams will break for the holidays before resuming their schedules. Texas State is scheduled to host Huston-Tillotson on Monday, Dec. 29. Louisiana-Monroe’s next contest is at home against South Alabama on Thursday, Jan. 1.