Privateers Clamped Down by 19th-Ranked Oklahoma State

STILLWATER, Okla. – The New Orleans Privateers women's basketball team (1-5) were held to the lowest field goal percentage so far this season in an 84-33 loss to the Oklahoma State Cowgirls (7-1) on Monday night at Gallagher-Iba Arena.

Oklahoma State sprinted to an early 9-2 lead after the first four minutes of play. Randi Brown then hit a right wing three pointer to pull the Privateers back within four, but the Cowgirls steadily drew away after that point.

The Cowgirls started to use the press more as the half went on to extend their lead, forcing 18 Privateers turnovers in the opening half. However, New Orleans' hustle on defense kept the Cowgirls in check early, holding the 19^th-ranked team in the country without a field goal for a three-minute stretch that lasted until the 11-minute mark.

Oklahoma State's relentless pressure helped them pull away as the half went on. The Cowgirls ended the half by scoring 23 of the last 30 points and carried a 47-16 lead to the locker room as several Privateers battled foul trouble early on.

Throughout the game, New Orleans struggled to get an offensive rhythm going against a strong Oklahoma State squad. The Privateers shot just 25 percent from the field (12-of-48) and turned the ball over 26 times. New Orleans was also out-rebounded 44-25 on the night.

Leading the way individually were Halie Matthews and Octavia Wilson who had six points each. Matthews also led the team in rebounds with five. Randi Brown had five points in 11 minutes and Yasmin Taylor had four steals. The Privateers forced 17 Cowgirls turnovers.

Oklahoma State was led by Roshunda Johnson who went for a career-high 22 points while making four of the team's five three-pointers on the night. Brittney Martin also cracked double figures with 10 points for a Cowgirls squad that shot 55.4 percent on the night.

The Privateers will next travel to take on Tulsa on Thursday night. Tip is slated for 7 p.m.

To keep up with the latest New Orleans women's basketball news, follow the team on Twitter @UNOPrivateers and @Privateers_WBB or by liking New Orleans Privateers on Facebook.