COMMERCE, Texas – The New Orleans Privateers women's basketball team got into a rhythm offensively but could not chip away at a double-digit halftime deficit in an 83-70 loss to the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions at the Field House.
New Orleans (6-17, 5-9) put up 45 points in the second half but they had too much to do as they battled a 16-point halftime deficit. The Privateers could not get any closer than within 11 points in the second half despite their offensive barrage in the last 20 minutes.
Texas A&M-Commerce (11-14) shot 57.1 percent from the field in the second half to counter the Privateers and hold on to move their league record to 9-4.
The Privateers needed to rely on their defense to keep within range in a first quarter that saw them start 1-for-12 from the field. New Orleans exited the first quarter trailing 15-8.
The second quarter saw New Orleans get into their offense quicker which resulted in points coming in bunches to start the stanza. The Privateers scored on four of their first five possessions in the second quarter but the Lions came up with an answer every time.
Overall, the Privateers went 8-of-17 from the field in the quarter but the Lions countered by going 10-of-17. When the teams went to the locker room, Texas A&M-Commerce enjoyed a 41-25 advantage on the scoreboard.
INSIDE THE BOX
DeArica Pryor scored 21 points and added three steals along with five rebounds.
Tiana Gipson had 10 points, all in the second half.
Nora Francois added nine points while
Brianna Ellis scored eight with five assists.
Zoe Cooper led the team in rebounds with eight.
DesiRay Kernal scored a career-high 27 points while Mia Deck added 20. Laila Lawrence posted 13 points and 10 rebounds.
NEXT UP
The Privateers will face Northwestern State on Saturday at 1 p.m.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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