NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Privateers battled back from a nine-point halftime deficit to take a second half lead but fell on the short end of a 65-52 decision to the McNeese Cowboys on Saturday evening at the Lakefront Arena.
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Bryson Robinson led all Privateers with 27 points.
Jaylen Key returned from injury to put up 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting in 25 minutes. Robinson,
Gerrale Gates, and
Jahmel Myers had six rebounds apiece.
FIRST HALF
Robinson opened the scoring 1:55 into the contest with a jumper in what turned into a defensive battle at the outset. New Orleans broke to a 9-2 advantage just over four minutes in. McNeese clawed their way back to level terms and took their first lead at the 9:10 mark.
A Robinson triple put New Orleans back ahead 17-15 with just over six minutes left, but the Cowboys responded with a 15-4 run to close the first 20 minutes. McNeese shot 46.4 percent for the first half while New Orleans was held to 28.1 percent from the field.
Key's return netted six points and four boards over 11 minutes played in the half.
SECOND HALF
New Orleans trimmed the McNeese lead to four on three early field goals from the combo of Robinson and Gates. The Privateers battled back to eventually tie the score at 41-41 with 9:20 left in the contest.
The Privateers took their first lead of the half shortly afterward on a bucket by Robinson at the 8:42 mark.
However, McNeese stormed back in front with 14 consecutive points. The last of that run came on a three by A.J. Lawson which beat the shot clock. The Cowboys vaulted to a 57-43 lead and were able to see out the rest of the game.
NEXT UP
The Privateers head to Corpus Christi to take on the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders on Wednesday, Jan. 22. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m.
