LAKE CHARLES--  McNeese women's basketball remained undefeated at home this season following a 72-62 win over Louisiana-Monroe here Wednesday. The win lifted the Cowgirls' overall record to 7-3. ULM dropped to 5-4 on the season.

Seniors Jayln Johnson and Allison Baggett led the Cowgirls in scoring with 24 and 10 points, respectively. The 24-point output by Johnson is her season high and she dished out a game high five assists. Jasmine Carswell led McNeese with six rebounds, five coming on the defensive end.

Amber Donnes opened the game with a layup to give McNeese the early lead. The Cowgirls built as much as a 14-point lead twice in the second quarter on a three-pointer by Johnson and then again on a baseline jumper by Keara Hudnall. ULM went on a 6-0 run to end the quarter to cut the Cowgirl lead to eight (39-31) to end the first half.

The Cowgirls held steady in the third period until the Warhawks would come back from a nine point deficit to cut the Cowgirl lead to three points 50-47 after scoring the period's final five points.

Louisiana-Monroe opened the fourth quarter with a three-pointer by Andreanna Jackson to tie the game at 50 apiece. McNeese responded with one of Baggett's two three-pointers of the night to regain the lead for the Cowgirls. ULM would get as close as one point, 55-54 following a layup by Alayshia Hunter with 6:27 to play. McNeese went on a 17-8 run the rest of the way. The Cowgirls sealed the game from the free throw line in the final three minutes of the game. Donnes made two free throws and Johnson was six of six to end the game.

Hunter ended the game with a double double on 28 points and 13 rebounds. Chelsea Tieuel pitched in 16 and Ashley Aune scored 10.

McNeese will hit the road for games at Ole Miss (Saturday) and Louisiana Tech next Tuesday before breaking for the Christmas Holiday. The Cowgirls will return to action Jan. 2 at Stephen F. Austin in the Southland Conference opener. Following another conference road game at Houston Baptist on Jan. 4, the Cowgirls will face Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Jan. 9 in their SLC home opener.