New Orleans, Louisiana- The University of New Orleans women's basketball team showed the comforts of home can make a difference. The Privateers never trailed during their Southland Conference game against Sam Houston State. Strong rebounding and points-in-the-paint made the difference as UNO defeated the Bearkats 78-49, Thursday night at Lakefront Arena.
The Privateers outrebounded Sam Houston State 53-39 with six players grabbing at least six rebounds and they outscored the opponent in the paint to the tune of 50-24. New Orleans is now 8-7 overall and 3-2 in Southland Conference play. The Bearkats (0-14,0-4) remain winless on the season.
"I think we continued to mature as a team tonight, said head coach Keeshawn Davenport. "We are the type of team that has to "gang rebound". Everybody has to get in on defensive rebounding because the transition can't start until you rebound.
New Orleans had only two players in double figures. The leading scorer in the Southland Conference, Randi Brown led the way with 21 points. The junior has reached double figures in every game this season going 6-of-14 from the field and 8-of-12 from the free throw line.
Kayla Mundy, a junior, continued her sterling play off the bench with 16 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Mundy was just 1point shy of her career-high of 17 points against Iowa State last month
The Privateers led 41-22 at the break as Mundy scored 13 points in 12 minutes of play. The home team clamped down on the Bearkats on the defensive end of the floor as they managed to hit only 6-of-34 shots in the first 20 minutes of play.
New Orleans got contributions from all directions. Forward Raven Coleman had 8 points (season high), a team-high 9 rebounds and 3 assists. Shania Woods chipped in with 9 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks. Halie Matthews had 8 points, 6 rebounds and a season-high 3 steals. Asia Woods had 5 points and 7 boards. Sophomore guard Mariah Wright had 6 points, 7 rebounds 4 assists and 6 steals---all season highs for the sophomore from Zachary, Louisiana.
"As their confidence steadily builds, every night you're going to see this. I'm so proud of the team effort. Kayla, Shania, Mariah, with Randi watch out Southland Conference, that's a dangerous combination," beamed Davenport.
New Orleans is now 6-1 at home.
San Houston State was led by Jasmine Mc Cants with 24 points and 7 rebounds.
New Orleans returns to action Thursday, Jan. 19 when they travel to Houston to face Houston Baptist in a 7 p. m. contest. Their next home game is Saturday, Jan. 21 when Central Arkansas comes to Lakefront Arena. Tipoff is 4 p. m.
. For tickets to that game and other Privateer Athletics events, contact the UNO Athletics Ticket Office at (504) 280-GAME (4263) or via the Internet by clicking HERE.
--www.UNOPrivateers.com--
