NEW ORLEANS – Scott Plaisance Jr. finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, five blocks and two steals in the University of New Orleans' (16-11, 11-5 Southland) 71-60 setback to Sam Houston State University (20-9, 15-1 Southland) Wednesday evening at Lakefront Arena.
The game pitted No. 2 versus No. 1 and did not disappoint as defense shined on the Lakefront with 36 forced turnovers and 16 steals. New Orleans finished with seven blocks – five by Plaisance Jr. – and seven steals, but the Bearkats scored 25 points off UNO's 18 turnovers. SHSU finished 12-of-26 from three-point range, led by Cameron Delaney's 21 points (5-of-8 from three-point range).
Bryson Robinson led the way for the Privateers with 15 points and four assists and
Gerrale Gates matched Plaisance Jr. with 12 points.
FIRST HALF
The defense looked sharp early with blocks by Plaisance Jr. and
Damion Rosser prior to the under-16 media. The Bearkats began the game 1-of-7 from the field and the Privateers were 3-of-6.
However, at the break, Sam Houston State led 38-30 behind its three-point shooting as the Bearkats were 7-of-11 from long distance.
New Orleans shot 52.4 percent from the floor in the first.
Larry Robinson III and Gates had six points apiece and Plaisance Jr. recorded two blocks. SHSU made the most of the UNO miscues, scoring 15 points off turnovers.
SECOND HALF
The Bearkats extended their lead to double figures and led by 15 with 13:35 remaining.
Down 17 with 9:54 remaining, Plaisance Jr. injected some energy for UNO with a step back triple. Moments later,
Troy Green followed with a trey of his own and on the defensive end, Plaisance Jr. added his third block and second steal to cut the Sam Houston lead to 11 at the under-eight media.
The Privateers cut it to nine following Plaisance's put back and dunk, respectively, and
Lamont Berzat drew a charge on a trap to give UNO possession with 55.2 ticks left to play.
NEXT UP
New Orleans visits Nicholls State University Saturday to close out the series with the Colonels. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. from Thibodaux.
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