Privateers' Rally Falls Short at Central Arkansas

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CONWAY, Ark. – The New Orleans Privateers women's basketball team (3-17, 1-10) held the Central Arkansas Sugar Bears (13-9, 6-4) to 36.5 percent from the field, but could not complete a second half comeback in a 50-44 loss on Saturday at the Farris Center.

New Orleans faced an uphill battle the entire game, but were able to trim a 12-point halftime deficit to as little as three on a pair of different occasions. The Privateers endured cold stretches toward the end of each half though that cost them a chance to complete the rally.

Maggie Proffitt got going early against the Privateers defense, coming off of screens and using the mid-range game to help Central Arkansas build a 19-9 lead. The Sugar Bears hit 8-of-13 shots to start the contest, but the Privateers would have a quick answer.

Four quick points, one on a second chance bucket by Raven Coleman, and the other on a Kayla Mundy jumper cut the deficit down to six. New Orleans would get to within five, trailing 23-18. However, the Privateers went cold to finish the half, going the final 4:30 without a bucket. Central Arkansas scored seven points in that same stretch to carry a 30-18 lead to the break.

The Privateers came out with energy on both ends of the floor to begin the second half, going on a 10-3 run to cut the deficit back down to five. A little later in the second half, New Orleans was trailing by just three.

Brianna Mullins then drained a three for Central Arkansas at the 10:10 mark of the second half to put the Sugar Bears lead at 45-39. From then, both teams went on a dry spell, as the scoreboard didn't change until Mullins came up with a steal and a fast break layup on the other end of the floor with 4:00 left.

Halie Matthews and Randi Brown led the Privateers' charge early in the second half and wound up co-leading the team with 13 points each. Matthews also had two blocks, putting her total up to eight in the last four games. The Privateers committed just four turnovers in the second half, compared to 10 in the first half.

Proffitt led the Sugar Bears and had a game-high 16 points on 7-of-17 shooting. Joining her in double figures was Mullins who posted 14 points. The Sugar Bears controlled the glass with a 40-30 rebounding edge including a 15-8 advantage on the offensive boards.

The Privateers will next travel to face Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Thursday. Tip is scheduled 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.