MONROE, La. -- Devin McDonald scored a career-high 24 points -- including 16 in the first half -- to lead New Orleans to an 82-73 win at Louisiana-Monroe on Thursday.
McDonald was 8-of-9 from the field and 5-of-5 from the free-throw line, as the Privateers (8-18, 3-12 Sun Belt Conference) snapped a seven-game losing streak.
Charles Carmouche, who missed UNO's previous game due to illness, had 21 points and eight rebounds. The Privateers shot 62 percent from the field to help UNO eclipse the 80-point mark for the first time this season.
Lawrence Gilbert paced ULM (11-16, 6-10) with 18 points, including five 3-pointers. The Warhawks had four scorers in double figures, including 16 points off the bench from Kenneth Averette.
The Privateers put three players in double figures, as Johann Mpondo chipped in 13 points.
It was UNO's first road win in Sun Belt play since Feb. 24, 2008 (a span of 16 games).
"From an offensive standpoint, it was the best 40 minutes we've played all year," said UNO head coach Joe Pasternack. "It's really a credit to these kids to come out and do this on the road."
The Privateers, who have struggled offensively throughout conference play, put on a clinic in the opening half. UNO shot 60 percent and drilled five 3-pointers (three from McDonald) to grab a 44-32 lead at halftime.
It was the most points scored by UNO in a half since Jan. 7.
The Privateers continued the offensive spurt in the second half, grabbing as much as a 19-point lead with 15:16 left following a McDonald tip-in.
ULM chipped away at the deficit but never truly threatened. The hosts did cut it to 77-71 with 35 seconds left, but UNO made its free throws late to ice it.
UNO had dropped nine of the previous 12 all-time meetings with ULM.
The Privateers will play their home finale at 7 p.m. on Saturday against Denver at Lakefront Arena. The game will be part of a doubleheader with the women's team, which hosts the Pioneers at 4:30 p.m.
For ticket information, please call 504-280-GAME or visit UNOPrivateers.com.
