BOX SCORE (PDF) | BOX SCORE (XML)SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The New Orleans Privateers women's basketball team (2-9, 0-2) committed 15 turnovers in the first half and could not overcome a 22-point halftime hole in a 71-59 loss to the Incarnate Word Cardinals (4-9, 1-1) on Thursday at the McDermott Center.
The game started with a quick pace and both teams trading baskets to a 6-6 tie at the first media timeout. The Cardinals then hit an 8-0 spurt as they were able to take advantage of a turnover-prone Privateers squad in the first half.
Incarnate Word also closed the half on a strong note as they hit a couple of triples to end the half. The Cardinals also took care of the battle on the boards, out-rebounding the Privateers 20-12. At the break, New Orleans trailed 27-15 while committing 15 turnovers and missing eight of the last nine shots to close the half.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals got offensive contributions from everyone as eight of nine players who saw floor action scored. Incarnate Word shot 46.9 percent in the first half to set the tone and never trailed in the first 20 minutes of play.
The second half had a more positive offensive start as the Privateers attacked the basket more and got into the bonus with 13 minutes left in the second half. However, Incarnate Word went to the paint early in the second half to keep up with a more efficient Privateers offense. The Cardinals scored 10 of their first 15 points of the second half in the paint.
New Orleans then went on a massive 14-2 run to cut the lead down to 54-46 with less than eight minutes remaining, using the early entry into the double bonus as an advantage. However, the Cardinals went on a 7-1 run to extend the lead to 14 and were able to hold from there.
Raven Coleman led the way for the Privateers with 21 points and also added 10 rebounds along with three steals and two blocks.
Yasmin Taylor had four steals as New Orleans forced 16 second half turnovers.
Octavia Wilson and
Jewel Angelo scored eight points each as the Privateers shot 51.9 percent in the second half.
Breanna Birmingham had a breakout game in her third contest of the season, scoring 16 points to lead the Cardinals. Haley Frias scored 15 points including going a perfect 6-for-6 at the free throw line. Shanise Brooks contributed with 14 points, and her six boards helped the Cardinals to a 35-28 advantage on the glass.
The Privateers will next face Sam Houston State on Saturday. Tip is slated for 4 p.m.
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