CONWAY, Ark.- New Orleans (2-3) fell in 69-71 OT loss to North Dakota in game one of the Central Arkansas Classic in Conway, Ark. Saturday afternoon. New Orleans led by as much as 16 in the opening half and eight again down the stretch before North Dakota, who is no stranger to overcoming deficits, went on an 8-0 run to force the Privateers into overtime at 60-60. New Orleans led by four with 1:12 left in OT, but the Hawks clawed their way back finding one layup and a pair of dunks to lead to the 69-71 decision.
With 4:04 left in the first half, the men in blue were up 34-18 but closed out the half 34-27 in result of a balanced scoring effort and out-rebounding the Hawks. The Privateers held the Hawks to just 31% shooting and one three-pointer in the first half. The second half saw New Orleans with an eight point lead that evaporated due to turnovers with two-minutes left. UND connect on five-of-six from the field in the free five minutes of playing time while the Privateers were four-of-nine.
On the game, New Orleans shot 25 of 67 at 37% but continued its consistent success at the foul line at 85% on 17-of-20 shooting. New Orleans out-rebounded North Dakota 44-43 and forced 20 North Dakota turnovers.
For the first time since New Orleans has hit the road, three Privateers were in double-figures.
Jordan Johnson led the way with 18 points, three assists, three rebounds, and one steal.
Khaleb Wilson-Rouse got the Privateers off to a great start with 16 points (his first double-figure scoring game of the season), four steals, two rebounds, and two assists. Behind Wilson-Rouse was
Carlos Hart who also had 12 points, two steals, and two rebounds.
D'Ante Bell led New Orleans' defensive effort with a career high 12 rebounds.
UP NEXT: New Orleans looks to shake this one off before their face familiar foe in former Southland Central Arkansas Bears in just over 24 hours. Tip-off is set for 3:45 CT.
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