HAMMOND, La. – New Orleans men's basketball program (6-13, SLC 3-5) could not closeout in the second half to defeat the Southeastern Lions (92-87) at the University Center Thursday night despite a team-high 24 points from Jordan Johnson.
In Privateer fashion, the visitors shot out to an 8-0 lead at 18:30 in the first half with Simeon Kirkland scoring two of the first four baskets. The Lions were not as quick in response, but after a good three-pointer from Nick Caldwell and layup from Alec Woordard, they continued an 11-6 run to meet New Orleans at 14 points. After tying again at 25, the Privateers doubled the Lions in scoring on a 16-8 run led by Jordan Johnson who had 10 points in the final six minutes and 15 overall to close out the half 41-32. New Orleans proved very effective in getting the ball inside as they shot 54% from the field and crashed the boards both offensively (6-4) and defensively (15-9).
In the second half, the Lions immediately cut into the lead with Anderson Boogie burying a three at 19:41. The Lions led a 17-14 run from 19:11 to 13:55 to trail the Privateers by three, and then a dunk in transition by Boogie Anderson tied the teams at 60. At 8:41, both teams rallied back and forth until Jordon Johnson rattled in a three to give New Orleans the upper hand at 70-67. However, Nick Caldwell, who finished with 28 points, responded with a good FT and a made jumper from deep to give the Lions the lead and they never looked back. Allowing 23 points off turnovers is what hurt the Privateers in addition to going 7-of-12 at the charity stipe compared to 14-of-18 on Southeastern's end.
Four Privateers saw double figures with Jordan Johnson leading the way. Johnson's 27 points and three assists mark his second-highest scoring game of the season. He shot 7-of-10 from the arc and 10-of-18 from the field. Simeon Kirkland hit a season-high and recorded his third double-double of the season with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Khaleb Wilson-Rouse put up 13 points and six rebounds. Omarion Henry also chipped in 11 points and two rebounds. Daniel Sackey, Tyson Jackson, and K'mani Doughty also scored.
NEXT UP: The Privateers look for a rematch against the Southeastern Lions on Lakefront soil Saturday. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m.
