NEW ORLEANS, La. – The New Orleans Privateers women's basketball team (0-3) were able to hold the 25
th ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs (6-0) under 40 percent shooting, but suffered an 85-45 loss on Saturday at the Lakefront Arena.
The Privateers were able to frustrate Mississippi State early, holding the Bulldogs to just 37.9 percent from the field. The Bulldogs though opened up by scoring 15 of the first 17 points as New Orleans struggled to find early offense. The lead for Mississippi State was as large as 26 when they lead 33-7.
New Orleans closed the half by out-scoring the Bulldogs 14-8 over the final 6:47 of the opening 20 minutes of play. In that stretch, the Privateers scored on three straight possessions on two layups and a jumper in the paint. The Privateers were only narrowly out-scored in the paint at 14-12 in the first half.
The Bulldogs were able to coast from there, but still were held to 39.7 percent shooting on the afternoon by New Orleans' defense. The Bulldogs had 39 free throw attempts on the day to just 26 for the Privateers. New Orleans kept the battle on the boards close, only being out-rebounded 42-38.
Mathilde Fogelstrom led the Privateers while recording the first New Orleans double-double on the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Randi Brown added nine points and
Halie Matthews contributed with eight.
Kayla Mundy had both of the Privateers blocks.
The Bulldogs had five players in double figures. Victoria Vivians led the team with 16 points. Kayla Nevitt had 15 of Mississippi State's 37 points off the bench. Dominique Dillingham added 10 points and Morgan William had 10 points along with six assists.
New Orleans will next travel to Phoenix to take on Grand Canyon on Dec. 3. Tip is slated for 9 p.m. CST.
