EL PASO, Texas – The New Orleans Privateers (0-1) battled and led for most of the first half but a big second quarter run put the UTEP Miners (1-0) ahead for good as New Orleans dropped their season opener 83-55 at the Don Haskins Center on Monday.
INSIDE THE BOX
Justice Ross scored 12 points and pulled down eight rebounds. She also had two blocks in 28 minutes.
Hennessey Luu-Brown had eight points, four assists and three steals.
Nahja Scott finished with eight points and six rebounds.
Tara Green, making her Privateer debut, finished with eight points and four rebounds in 13 minutes.
Nora Francois added seven points and four boards.
UTEP had four in double figures led by Mahri Petree who scored 24 points. Eliana Cabral added 15 points and Jazion Jackson finished with eight assists and six steals.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Privateers came out strong on both ends of the floor and it began from the outset. A technical foul called on UTEP before the game led to a Privateer lead before the ball was tipped. From there, New Orleans hit 46 percent of their shots and out-reobunded UTEP 13-5 in the first quarter.
Nora Francois hit a jumper on an entry pass from
Hennessey Luu-Brown to put the Privateers ahead 23-19 with 4:45 left in the half. From there, the Miners' press defense led to transition points and a huge run in the last part of the half.
UTEP scored 16 of the next 18 points to take a 37-25 lead into the locker room. The Miners forced 21 turnovers and scored 25 points off turnovers.
The Privateers shot 47.7 percent from the field but the Miners' pressure defense generated extra possessions that they were able to capitalize on throughout the evening.
New Orleans opened the fourth quarter on a 6-0 run to cut the UTEP lead to 61-45 but the Miners responded with 14 straight points of their own over the next 3:52.
NEXT UP
The Privateers will play their home opener on Monday, Nov. 14 against South Alabama. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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