NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans women's basketball program successfully defended the Lakefront as the Privateers took down visiting Texas State, behind a career-high 28 points from
Jada Duncantell, 67-64 in a non-conference clash on Saturday afternoon at the UNO Lakefront Arena.
It was the first victory over the Bobcats in school history and the first win in a season opener against a NCAA Division I opponent since the 2009-10 season.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: New Orleans – 67, Texas State - 64
LOCATION: Lakefront Arena – New Orleans, La.
RECORDS: New Orleans (1-0/0-0), Texas State (0-1/0-0)
KEY MOMENTS
- With the game tied at 51 with 5:04 left to play, Traya Bruce knocked down a huge three-pointer to give the Privateers a 54-51 edge. Texas State was able to match the basket with a two of their own on its next time down the court before Bruce came back down and drilled another one to give the Privateers a 57-53 lead with 3:08 remaining.
- The game was once again tied up with 1:41 left when Mia Deck stepped up to be the hero, knocking down a long trey of her own to go up 60-57.
- The Bobcats were able to pull within one (61-60) after a three with 41 seconds left in the contest. It was the closest Texas State would get as the Privateers got big free throws from Deck and Dionjhae Thomas to go with a strong defensive showing to close out the 67-64 victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- New Orleans jumped out to a 16-10 lead after the opening quarter, as the Privateers held the Bobcats to a 17.65 percent clip from the field (which included a mark of 0-of-8 on three-point attempts).
- Texas State flipped the script in the second, as the Bobcats outscored the Privateers by a 22-10 margin to take a 32-26 lead into the half.
- It was the Privateers turn to go on a run in the third as New Orleans recorded a 22-12 edge in points to retake a 48-44 advantage into the fourth.
- The two teams were tied at 51 with 5:04 left in the game before the Privateers went on a 16-13 run to close out the game and pick up their first victory of the 2020-21 campaign.
GAME NOTES
- Duncantell finished with a new career-high of 28 points, the highest point total for a Privateer since Rehema Franklin netted 33 in a win over North Dakota back on Dec. 28, 2019. She also added five rebounds, three assists and two steals.
- Duncantell's 38 minutes played was also a new career-best for the senior point guard.
- Mia Deck posted 12 points, five boards, four assists, one block and a steal over 34 minutes. She converted on 7-of-10 free throws, a new career-high for made attempts during a single-game.
- Bruce was the only other Privateer in double-digit scoring as she finished with 12 points. The junior sharpshooter started the game a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the arc and went on to hit four of her six three's overall.
- Both Erin Randle and Zanaa Cordis started the first game of their New Orleans career.
- Also making their first collegiate appearances were Kyla Davis (three points), Zoe Cooper (two blocks) and Ericca Richardson (two rebounds).
- New Orleans totaled 22 points in the paint, 16 points off turnovers and 15 fast break points. The big edge the Privateers had was their ability off their bench as New Orleans recorded 17 points, 10 more than their opposition in the category.
- The Privateers forced 22 turnovers.
COACHES CORNER
FOR THE FOES
- Da'Nasia Hood was a force inside as she posted a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds.
- Three other student-athletes also finished in double-digit scoring; Alexander Avionne (12 points), Kennedy Taylor (11) and Ja'Kayla Bowie (11).
- The Bobcats scored 22 points off turnovers, had 20 points in the paint and 23 second chance points.
- Texas State was only able to get seven points off the bench.
NEXT UP
New Orleans takes to the road for another tough out of conference matchup with nationally-ranked Mississippi State on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at Humphrey Coliseum. Tip off is set for 7 PM CT and the game will be streamed live on SEC Network Plus.
