NEW ORLEANS, La.- Beautiful shooting from the free-throw line helped New Orleans men's basketball program top the Bleu Devils 79-71 in their final home game of the year Monday night at UNO Lakefront Arena. Led by
Jordan Johnson with 18 points, four Privateers touched double figures, and
Tyson Jackson recorded his second career double-double.
New Orleans shot a season high 81% from the charity stripe with Johnson,
Khaleb Wilson-Rouse, and
K'mani Doughty at 100%. The team also proved successful in keeping the Bleu Devils under 50% from the field shutting out their lead scorer, Kenyon Duling, who only scored 10 points and five rebounds.
COACH'S CORNER: Head Coach Mark Slessinger
Johnson also recorded his second consecutive game with seven rebounds. He edged
K'mani Doughty who finished the night with 17 points and five rebounds. Jackson also came up big for the Privateers leading the defense with ten boards and 11 points.Â
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Simeon Kirkland finished with twelve points and five rebounds, while Wilson-Rouse contributed eight points solely from the charity stripe.
Omarion Henry chipped in a half dozen with three boards, and
Daniel Sackey put up three in his third consecutive game as a starter.
Marquez Cooper and
Jamond Vincent were good for two points apiece.Â
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In the first half, Doughty and Jackson had nine points apiece. Doughty shot three of five from deep and Jackson had his best half of the season with six rebounds. The Privateers had nine assists and only five turnovers ending the half with a one-point lead 27-26.Â
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With both teams shooting 30% in the first half, New Orleans came out hot and shot 57% from the field in a second half that saw Johnson let off three shots from deep.
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The game saw six ties and seven lead changes.
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Tomorrow morning, it is wheels up for the New Orleans Privateers as they head to West Lafayette, Ind. to face #1 Purdue Boilermakers Wednesday at 8 p.m. CT broadcast live on ESPNU.Â
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