The basketball programs of the ULM Warhawks tipped off the Sun Belt Conference portion of the 2023-24 season on Saturday. ULM men's team tipped of the action with a 67-55 loss at App State, while the women fell inside Fant-Ewing Coliseum 85-79.

In the men's contest, App State (10-3, 1-0) closed out the game on a 19-6 run to close out the game inside the Holmes Convocation Center. The final run included a 9-0 run by the Mountaineers to open conference action with a win.

ULM (4-7, 0-1) was led by Nika Metskhvarishvilli 16 points and 9 rebounds. Sophomore guard Jacob Wilson posted a career high 25 minutes and scored 10 points.

For the first time in nearly a month, the Warhawks will return for a home game, hosting Marshall on Wednesday, January 3. Tipoff is set for 6:30pm, and will be shown on ESPN+.

On the women's side, the Warhawks shot 43% from the floor, but James Madison's 57% from beyond the three-point arc, and won the rebounding category to claim an 85-79 victory.

Jakayla Johnson led the Warhawks with 25 points to lead ULM. Jamia Hazell led the Dukes with 10-13 from the floor for 25 points.

ULM (8-4, 0-1) will now travel the Georgia swing of the conference schedule, playing at Georgia State on Thursday, and at Georgia Southern on Saturday.