Privateers Rally From 15-Point Second Half Deficit, Fall Short vs. Lamar

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NEW ORLEANS, La. – The New Orleans Privateers women's basketball team (2-8, 0-1 Southland) rallied back from a 15-point deficit to take a second half lead, but conceded ten straight points right after in a 64-54 loss to the Lamar Lady Cardinals (5-8, 2-0) on Monday at Lakefront Arena.

New Orleans overcame a 15-point deficit and took a one-point lead with 8:12 remaining in the game. Lamar responded with a couple of key three pointers from JaMeisha Edwards that propelled what wound up being the game deciding run for the Lady Cardinals.  

The Privateers and Lady Cardinals engaged in a back-and-forth battle in the first half that featured two ties and six lead changes. Lamar led for the final 10:05 of the opening half on the strength of an 8-1 run after New Orleans grabbed their last lead of the first half at 16-15.

New Orleans turned the ball over 13 times in the first half and only visited the free throw line four times. Both teams found tough sledding from the field as the Privateers were held to 33.3 percent shooting (9-of-27) from the field. Lamar shot just 36 percent (9-of-25) in the opening half.

The Lady Cardinals started the second half by scoring the first nine points of the half to extend the lead to 15. The Privateers missed the first seven shots of the half, but came roaring back after that with intensity on both ends of the floor. New Orleans took a brief lead at 42-41 on an Alexis Martin layup.

Danielle Davis led the team with 15 points on the night. Yasmin Taylor posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Octavia Wilson added 11 points and Raven Coleman helped lead a strong effort on the glass with 10 boards. New Orleans out-rebounded Lamar 43-32 on the night.

The Lady Cardinals were led by Edwards' 17 points. The starting lineup carried most of the offensive load, scoring 59 of the team's 64 points. Dominique Edwards added 15 points and Baileigh O'Dell contributed 11 points. Caroline Adesulu had all five of the Lady Cardinals' blocks.

New Orleans will take to the road to face Incarnate Word on Thursday, Jan. 8. Tip is slated fo 6 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.