NEW ORLEANS - The University of New Orleans ended a five-game losing streak by putting on one of their better defensive efforts of the season in a 46-39 win over Florida International on Sunday afternoon at Lakefront Arena.
The win was the first for UNO (7-9, 1-3 Sun Belt) in conference play this season as they held FIU (6-9, 1-3 SBC) to 25.5 percent shooting, the second-lowest mark for a Lady Privateer opponent on the season.
Candice McGee came off the bench to lead UNO with eight points and 13 rebounds. Tiffina' Bennett matched McGee with eight points to pace the Lady Privateer effort.
Elisa Carey had 14 points in the contest - 12 in the first half - for an FIU squad that fell for the third straight game. Monika Bosilj narrowly missed a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds.
A defensive showcase in the first half gave the Lady Privateers the advantage from the opening tip.
The UNO defense held the Golden Panthers to 4 of 20 shooting during the first half. All four made baskets by FIU during the first 20 minutes came from Carey, who scored 12 of the team's 14 points as the Lady Privateers entered the break with a 26-14 advantage.
After a Golden Panthers' drought from the field that lasted just under eight minutes put UNO up by 10 points. FIU would reach within five points, before the Lady Privateers scored seven in a row to enter the break.
UNO could not make a field goal for the first seven minutes of the second half, allowing FIU to rally back within five points at 32-27 with an 11-5 run.
The poor shooting continued as UNO was 2 of 12 as FIU reached within two at 36-34 and again at 38-36.
With a chance to tie or take the lead for the first time, the poor shooting bug reached the Golden Panthers, who missed eight consecutive shots from the field. Fanni Hutlassa ended the slump with a three-pointer to cut the lead back to three.
Clutch play allowed UNO to pull out the win. The defense denied FIU any further chances while the Lady Privateers made 14 of 16 free throws in the second half, compared to 5 of 12 during the opening half.
UNO will hit the road for a pair of games, starting on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. CT at Denver. The road trip continues Saturday at North Texas, with both contests available on UNO Vision.
