Privateers defeat Southeastern

The New Orleans Privateers women’s basketball team withstood a late rally and used free throws to pull away late to a 76-64 win against the Southeastern Lady Lions Thursday at the University Center.
The Lady Lions (7-17 overall, 3-10 in Southland Conference) got within one point with 4:25 left after starting the second half behind by double figures, but New Orleans would not be denied.
The Privateers (4-18, 2-11) hit key shots down the stretch and converted on 21-of-29 free throw attempts to help seal their first road victory this season.
“Tonight we put it together,” UNO coach Keeshawn Davenport said in a news release. “My main point for offense was come out swinging first and for defense give everything you have from the start, and we did a good job of keeping them off the offensive boards and getting stops in the first half. They did a great job of following the game plan, and they just wanted it.”
Southeastern started to heat up behind Taylin Underwood finding some quick shots in transition from three-point range at the start of the second half.
The Lady Lions also got to the bonus at the 14-minute mark and quickly cut a 13-point deficit to six with 13:41 remaining.
New Orleans had a strong effort on the boards that started early and continued through the first half.
At the first media timeout, the Privateers had four offensive boards and that total rose to 11 by halftime.
The Privateers also accounted for all 10 second-chance points in the opening half.
Randi Brown opened up against Southeastern’s zone defense, hitting three early three-pointers as New Orleans raced out to a 20-9 lead.
The Lady Lions would have a quick answer on a 7-0 run during a span of 1:40, but that was as close as Southeastern would get in the first half, though, as the Privateers got two players in double figures and carried a 34-21 lead to the break.
“I’m so proud of their effort,” Davenport said in the release. “For the first time, they did not hang their heads and did not get down. The freshmen stepped up big tonight. Halie went to work on the inside when she was on the floor. Randi, once she goes off, it’s hard for her to stop. She was asking for the ball and we gave it to her.”
Brown, a freshman and former Central Catholic alum, sunk a career-high 30 points on 10-of-18 from the field and made five 3-pointers.
Halie Matthews also set a new career mark and fell just shy of a double-double with 19 points and nine rebounds. Kayla Mundy added 11 points in the winning effort.
The Privateers outscored Southeastern 34-18 in the paint and won the turnover battle, committing just 11 turnovers to Southeastern’s 21.
Southeastern got a double-double from Jameika Hoskins (14 points, 13 rebounds).
Four Lady Lions landed in double figures. Underwood scored all 12 of her points from the three-point line. Erica Hernandez added 11 points, while Nanna Pool battled through foul trouble to score 10. Elizabeth Styles dished out 10 assists.
The Privateers will open up a four-game home stand against Northwestern State Saturday. Tip is scheduled for 4 p.m.