CONWAY, Ark. – The Privateers led by double figures in the first half, but Central Arkansas got hot in the second to take the latter game of the series 73-68, Wednesday evening at the Farris Center. New Orleans upended the Bears in the first meeting in January.
The Privateers forced two late turnovers to regain possession with a chance to tie with 20.2 ticks left to play in regulation.
Troy Green scored 14 of his 19 points in the second half to pace New Orleans and the junior added eight rebounds.
Bryson Robinson added 16 points – 12 from long distance –
Jahmel Myers posted 11 and
Lamont Berzat recorded 10 points.
TIDBITS
FINAL SCORE: Central Arkansas 73, New Orleans 68
LOCATION: Farris Center, Conway, Ark.
RECORDS: New Orleans (7-17, 3-11 Southland), Central Arkansas (9-16, 8-6 Southland)
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Privateers led by as much as 11, but the Bears hit a corner buzzer beater to cut UNO's lead to eight at the half.
- Robinson was the lone student-athlete in double figures in the opening stanza with 10 points. He hit two triples.
- Berzat was 3-of-6 for seven points and two steals with a +10 mark in the first, and Myers matched the +/- with his seven points and two boards.
- Gerrale Gates came off the bench with six points and four rebounds.
- The defense forced 10 turnovers in the first.
- Central Arkansas scored in bunches to begin the second, led by Rylan Bergersen, to take its first lead of the game (9:44 remaining in regulation).
- Green answered back with six straight for UNO and Robinson's corner three prior to the under-eight media regained the lead for the Privateers – 61-60.
- Hayden Koval and a pair of free throws put the Bears in front two with just over three minutes left to play.
- UNO forced a loose ball turnover and a five-second on the inbounds with 20.2 seconds remaining for a chance to tie.
OPPOSITION
- Three Bears posted eight points in the first, but Central Arkansas was limited to 35.7 percent shooting.
- UCA scored nine unanswered to take its first lead of the game (second half).
- Bergersen led all players with 21 points and DeAndre Jones followed with 20.
- Koval posted a double-double, finishing with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
NOTEWORTHY
- The start was Berzat's 10th of the season
- Robinson reached double figures in his 26th consecutive game dating back to last season.
NEXT UP
The Privateers welcome UIW to Lakefront Arena Saturday at 6 p.m. on Mardi Gras Night. The squad will wear their white Mardi Gras jerseys for the first time at home.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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