New Orleans women's hoops routs Sam Houston State, 78-49

The University of New Orleans women’s basketball team never trailed during their Southland Conference game against Sam Houston State as strong rebounding and points-in-the-paint made the difference in a 78-49 victory Thursday night at Lakefront Arena.
The Privateers (8-7 overall, 3-2 in Southland Conference play) outrebounded Sam Houston State, 53-39, with six players grabbing at least six rebounds. New Orleans outscored Sam Houston 50-24 in the paint.
“I think we continued to mature as a team tonight,” New Orleans Women’s Head Basketball Coach Keeshawn Davenport said in a news release. “We are the type of team that has to ‘gang rebound.’ Everybody has to get in on defensive rebounding, because the transition can’t start until you rebound.”
New Orleans had only two players in double figures. The leading scorer in the Southland Conference, Randi Brown, led the team with 21 points. The junior and Central Catholic alum has reached double figures in every game this season. Thursday, she finished 6-of-14 from the field and 8-of-12 from the free-throw line.
New Orleans junior Kayla Mundy continued her sterling play off the bench with 16 points, three rebounds and three assists. Mundy was just one point shy of her career-high of 17 points against Iowa State last month
The Privateers led 41-22 at halftime as Mundy scored 13 points in 12 minutes. New Orleans clamped down on the Bearkats (0-14, 0-4) on the defensive end of the floor as the Bearkats hit only 6-of-34 shots in the first 20 minutes.
New Orleans got contributions from all directions. Forward Raven Coleman had a season-high eight points, a team-high nine rebounds and three assists. Shania Woods chipped in with nine points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Halie Matthews had eight points, six rebounds and a season-high three steals. Asia Woods had five points and seven boards. Guard Mariah Wright had six points, seven rebounds, four assists and six steals — all season highs for the sophomore from Zachary.
“As their confidence steadily builds, every night you’re going to see this,” Davenport said. “I’m so proud of the team effort. Kayla, Shania, Mariah, with Randi, watch out Southland Conference, that’s a dangerous combination.”
New Orleans is now 6-1 at home.
San Houston State was led by Jasmine Mc Cants, who scored 24 points and had seven rebounds.
New Orleans returns to action Jan. 19 when it travels to face Houston Baptist in a 7 p.m. contest.