Lady Bears drop Season Opener to Illinois Central Cougars

Friday, October 31, 2025: Women's Basketball

Baton Rouge, LA 

The Baton Rouge Lady Bears opened their 2025-26 season in their annual Lady Bear Classic. On the first day of the classic, they faced the preseason #5 team in Division II, the Illinois Central College Cougars. The Cougars defeated the Lady Bears with a score of 85 to 45 at the Bonne Sante Wellness Center. 

In the early minutes of the first quarter, both teams attempted to establish their rhythm on offense. After two minutes of play, the score was tied at 4 points. The Cougars found their offensive groove over the next four minutes, taking a six-point lead at 12-6. While the Lady Bears experienced some success offensively, they trailed the Cougars 22-14 at the end of the first quarter. 

The Cougars clamped down defensively, making it more challenging for the young Lady Bears to implement their offensive game plan. The Cougars capitalized on Lady Bears turnovers and offensive struggles, outscoring them 19-10 in the second quarter, and took a 17-point lead at halftime with a score of 41-24. 

The third quarter mirrored the second, as the Cougars continued to expand their lead through consistent play on both offense and defense. Meanwhile, the Lady Bears struggled to generate any momentum. The Cougars outscored the Lady Bears 28-12 in that quarter, extending their lead to 69-36 by the end of the third. 

Despite the difficulties, the Lady Bears showed resilience and continued to fight back. Emani Young and Cambrieion Link led the team in the fourth quarter, but their efforts fell short as the Lady Bears lost the game 85-48. 

With this defeat, the Lady Bears' record fell to 0-1, while the Cougars improved to 1-0 for the season. Emani Young led the Lady Bears in scoring with 15 points, while Lily Luczkowiak topped the Cougars' scoring with 23 points. The Cougars had four players score in double figures, compared to just two for the Lady Bears. 

Lady Bears Highlights:

- Emani Young: 15 points, 3 rebounds 

- Jacey Coleman: 10 points, 5 rebounds 

- Shelcie LeBlanc: 9 points, 2 assists 

The Lady Bears will conclude the 15th Annual Lady Bear Classic with an afternoon matchup against Region 23 opponent, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Lady Bulldogs. Tip-off is set for 5 PM. 

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