HOUSTON – Three players scored in double figures but it wasn't enough as the New Orleans Privateers fell 81-54 to the Houston Cougars on Sunday afternoon at the Fertitta Center.
The Privateers came out with a solid opening statement, matching the Cougars early.
Jayla Kimbrough hit a jumper and was fouled, which tied the game at 8-8. From there, the Privateers spurted to a 14-10 lead with 2:26 remaining in the opening stanza.
Houston managed to snag the lead in the last seconds of the quarter on a Logyn McNeil layup. From there, the home side used that momentum to propel them to a 30-point second quarter. By the time it reached the half, the Cougars expanded their lead to 47-30. The Cougars had nine layups in the second quarter and shot 52 percent (13-of-25) to open their advantage.
The Cougars scored 46 points in the paint and pulled down 33 offensive rebounds. Houston's biggest statistical advantage came on the boards as they out-rebounded the Privateers 66-36 on the day.
New Orleans defended with ferocity throughout the second half as they held Houston to just 27.9 percent from the field over the final 20 minutes of play.
INSIDE THE BOX
Justice Ross finished with 13 points and seven boards in 34 minutes.
DeArica Pryor finished with 11 points and
Nahja Scott added 10 points. Pryor also led the team in assists with four.
Alexis Calderon finished with three assists.
Jayla Kimbrough added eight points.
Houston was led by N'Yah Boyd's 21 points. Bria Patterson added 16 points and Maliya Johnson finished with 13.
NEXT UP
The Privateers will head to Mobile to face South Alabama on Wednesday, Nov. 29. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m.
WE ARE YOUR KREWE
For 54 seasons, Privateer student-athletes have had the unique experience of wearing New Orleans across their chests. Like the city itself, our sports teams have been fueled by resiliency, grit, and the unquenchable desire to win. Our city also houses the nation's biggest celebration each year. And much like a Mardi Gras parade krewe, we are tethered to our community through pride, tradition, a culture of acceptance, and finally our commitment to show that New Orleans is a world-class city to live, learn, play and work. We invite you to become more involved with the only University that truly represents New Orleans all day, every day. Join #NOLAsTeam, We Are Your Krewe!
Visit UNOPrivateers.com/signup to stay connected and follow us @UNOPrivateers on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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