Jalen Bolden delivered a career-defining 24-point performance as UL Monroe secured an electrifying 81-74 victory against Southern Miss in a pivotal Sun Belt Conference matchup on Saturday. The Warhawks (7-20, 3-11 Sun Belt) snapped a four-game losing streak behind Bolden’s all-around effort, which included seven rebounds and three steals. Teammates Tyreese Watson (23 points) and Makai Willis (18 points) also starred, combining for 41 points to outduel Southern Miss’s resilient Denijay Harris (24 points, 13 rebounds).
The game remained tightly contested until UL Monroe’s explosive 14-3 run in the second half sealed the win. Southern Miss (10-17, 5-9), despite Harris’s dominating double-double and Neftali Alvarez’s 19-point effort, struggled to contain the Warhawks’ offense. Our team showed grit when it mattered, said UL Monroe head coach Keith Richard in a post-game presser. Bolden’s clutch steals and Watson’s precision passing highlighted a turnaround performance for a squad battling to climb the Sun Belt standings.
Key factors in UL Monroe’s victory:
- Shooting efficiency: The Warhawks shot 52% from the field, with Willis finishing 9-of-12.
- Defensive pressure: Bolden and Watson combined for six of the team’s nine steals.
- Ball movement: Watson’s eight assists fueled critical fast-break opportunities.
Southern Miss, now 11th in the conference, faces mounting pressure ahead of Thursday’s home game against Coastal Carolina. For UL Monroe, Wednesday’s road matchup with Texas State offers a chance to build momentum. With Bolden emerging as a breakout star, this win could mark a turning point in the Warhawks’ challenging season.