NEW ORLEANS -
Brittany Helm put back her own missed jumper with 56 seconds left in the game to give UNO a two-point lead and then made a crucial steal with 15 seconds left to seal the victory as the University of New Orleans opened the 2007-08 season with 74-69 win over Stephen F Austin.
UNO (1-0), winning their third season opener in four years had four players score in double-figures led by
Ty Felder with 15. Helm added 14 while
Le'Della English and
Candice McGee each had 12 in the winning effort.
The Lady Privateers took advantage of the glass -- outrebounding SFA 52-35, including 23-11 on the offensive end. Four players had eight rebounds apiece for UNO with Helm, Felder, McGee and
Talishia Young doing the task.
UNO's
Andrea Williams had three blocks on the night to give her 146 for her career, moving her into 4th in Lady Privateer history.
SFA (0-1) was led by Decreashea Goodner with 21 points and Whitney Cormier with 15. Cormier led the Ladyjacks with six rebounds.
UNO would maintain a lead throughout the first half despite preseason All-SBC first teamer English being in foul trouble as newcomers Helm and Felder made their presence felt in their first games as Lady Privateers.
The Ladyjacks shot 53 percent in the second half from the field to climb back into the game after trailing 36-26 early in the half. The game would see 11 lead changes in the second half before Helm's second change opportunity put UNO ahead for good.
The Privateers hit the road for the next four games starting with a trip to Lake Charles, La. to face McNeese State on Nov. 16 at 5:30 p.m.
