New Orleans- When the University of New Orleans Privateers (12-13, 8-6 SLC) celebrate Homecoming on Saturday, they'll look to achieve a season-sweep of the McNeese Cowgirls (11-13, 7-6 SLC) at Lakefront Arena. Tipoff is 2 p. m.
The Privateers had an impressive win on the road against the Cowgirls, Jan.6, winning 77-64 thanks to a 15-0 run and a 23-4 third quarter.
"This time we can't depend on one good run, we need consecutive runs," said head coach
Keeshawn Davenport. "McNeese is a team that plays hard for 40 minutes and they've been doing pretty good lately."
Coming of a 32-point effort in the win over Southeastern Louisiana Wednesday night, senior
Randi Brown continues to lead the Southland Conference in scoring averaging 21.5 points a game. The Houma, Louisiana native became the second UNO player to reach 2,000 career-points joining former New Orleans great Sandra Hodge (1980-84).
Brown came up with a season-high 10 rebounds against Southeastern Louisiana. She is fourth in steals in the Southland (62) and sixth in free throw shooting, hitting 136-of-166 (83.4%).
Junior center
Shania Woods is one of the league's top rebounders pulling down 8.7 a contest and she's averaged 11.7 points a game. The Houston, Texas native is among the leaders in double-doubles with 10 outings with double figures in points and rebounds. The most recent coming against SLU, 18-points and 13-rebounds. Woods is also fifth in the Southland in field goal percentage at 48.5% hitting 110-of-227.
Kayla Mundy had a career-day in the first game against McNeese with a career-high 25 points in Lake Charles. Mundy averages 11.2 points a contest and is third in the Southland Conference in free throw shooting at 88.7%.
As a team, the Privateers still lead the Southland in free throw shooting percentage hitting 361-of-472 for 76.5%. New Orleans is ranked second in defending the 3-pointer, allowing only 142-of-499 for only 28.5%.
McNeese is currently tied for seventh in league standings. They rely on the play of sophomore point-guard Caitlin Davis averaging 11.6 points and dishes 6.5 assists a game. Dede Sheppard is also a double-figure scorer at 10.3 and the team's leading rebounder is Mercedes Rogers grabbing 7.3.
The Privateers are currently sixth in Southland Conference standings. The top eight teams qualify for the Southland Conference tournament in Katy, Texas. Last season UNO qualified for the first time since joining the SLC.
"We don't look at the standings as something in the forefront, but it makes you keep in mind that every game is important. We know who's in front of us and who's behind us and it doesn't take much to see shifting in the standings. We need to take care of ourselves and the rest will take care of itself," said Davenport.
The game is the first of a doubleheader at Lakefront Arena. The New Orleans men will meet the McNeese Cowboys at 4:15 p. m.
The next time UNO will hit the court will be Wednesday, Feb. 21 when Sam Houston State comes to town for a 7 p. m. contest. It's the final home game of the season for the Privateers before closing the regular season with road games at Nicholls and Southeastern Louisiana.
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