KATY, Texas – It's tough to repeat with all the returning pieces, even harder to do so with nine newcomers. The Southland Conference Tournament experience for
Damion Rosser,
Troy Green,
Ezekiel Charles,
Scott Plaisance,
Diontae Champion and
Lamont Berzat to name a few should excite Privateer faithful as the University of New Orleans returns a core to the Lakefront.
Unfortunately, Sam Houston State University (19-13) shot 52.4 percent from three-point range to eliminate New Orleans (15-16) in the quarterfinals 85-63 Thursday evening at the Merrell Center.
Charles scored 12 points but senior
Makur Puou capped off a two-year career with 11 points, seven rebounds – three offensive – and four blocks, one away from tying his career-high. Berzat added nine points, two assists and two steals off the bench.
ON BUILDING A CHAMPIONSHIP MENTALITY AT UNO
"First off, it begins with mentoring and making our players better students and young men," said head coach
Mark Slessinger. "We as coaches are teachers and emphasize on doing the right thing even when nobody is watching. Even though it didn't end the way we wanted to this season, I am so proud of our guys and am excited about what we are building in New Orleans."
LAMONT ON PLAYING FOR HIS HOMETOWN TEAM
"As coach Sless always says, New Orleans is the best city in the world. He didn't have to offer me a scholarship and I am so thankful to coach Sless and the entire coaching staff for the opportunity to represent my city's name on the front of my jersey for three more seasons."
MAKUR ON CAPPING OFF HIS TWO-YEAR CAREER
"I love my brothers. We were hoping to repeat last season's championship but these guys here will be back next season. I loved my time playing for New Orleans and am so appreciative of the opportunity."
SLESSINGER ON NEWCOMERS IMPACT
"We have a great group of guys coming back and the experience they received in playing in this tournament is invaluable. We have some huge voids to fill with our exceptional senior class but we are excited about the future."
SOCIAL MEDIA
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