As February began, the UL women’s basketball team seemed to be fading.
Understandably, fatigue through the burden of all the losses and so few players having to play so many minutes was wearing on coach Garry Brodhead’s club.
Then came last week when two encouraging performances have the veteran coach wondering if a strong finish isn’t possible after all.
The next chance to fan that flame comes at 6 p.m. Wednesday against Southern Miss in the Cajundome.
“We were behind an eight ball when we started the season,” Brodhead said. “We could tell they weren’t ready, so we started doing some conditioning. We did so much of it that we looked really tired and stuff, but I think it paid off. I think it’s paying off now that they’re in better condition”
Yes, the first game last week was a 71-55 road loss to league-leading Troy. In that game, though, the Cajuns cut a 21-point deficit to six in the second half, before slipping late.
But it was still a much better performance than an 80-54 loss to Troy in the first round.
In the second game, UL won 57-54 at South Alabama – the same team that beat the Cajuns 81-56 on Jan. 3 in Lafayette. The Cajuns are now 4-22 overall and 2-13 in Sun Belt play.
“I thought we played a more consistent game,” Brodhead said. “I think the freshman (Imani Daniel, Amijah Price) showed up and played really well along with MK (Mikaylah Manley). They outrebounded us, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be.
“We did a better job of taking care of the ball. I think the turnovers were the key.”
Indeed, UL only committed 11 turnovers in the win, compared to 22 for the Jaguars.
Manley continued her recent hot streak with 23 points, four rebounds, five steals and three assists in the game. The Southern Miss transfer hopes to stay hot from the field against her old team after only scoring seven in the first round in the 76-58 loss to the Eagles.
“I think she’s taking better shots,” Brodhead said of Manley. “This last game against South Alabama, I thought she took some pretty good shots, but she also forced some things. I try to keep it simple for her. Most of the shots she misses are off the front of the rim, because he’s getting tired.”
Southern Miss is 13-13 overall and 6-8 in league play. The Eagles lost to ULM 85-62 and beat Texas State 86-77 in last week’s homestand.