TYSON JACKSON POST GAME
NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans men's basketball team battled to the end but fell short to Southeastern, 73-68, at Lakefront Arena to open Southland Conference play Saturday evening.
Khaleb Wilson-Rouse led the Privateers (5-9, 0-1 SLC) in double-figures scoring with 17 points. Jordan Johnson put up 16 points, three rebounds and three steals while Turk Vincent chipped in 13 points, four rebounds, and two assists.
D'ante Bell carried the Privateers through the first four minutes of opening half, scoring three straight buckets to get New Orleans on the board. Both teams stayed close with neither trailing by more than five. New Orleans seniors Wilson-Rouse, Johnson and Tyson Jackson made an immediate impact off the bench to pace the Privateers. Wilson-Rouse led with 10 points in the half as the teams entered the locker room tied at 36.
The second half was like the first with both teams trading baskets but the Lions (6-8, 1-0) went on a 13-3 run to lead by as many as eight points. The Privateers rallied to tie the game with 2:17 remaining, 67-67.
With 1:25 left on the clock, Johnson connected on one-of-two free-throws before Southeastern responded with two consecutive baskets to escape with the road victory and their fourth straight win overall.
New Orleans shot 48.1% from the field and forced 19 turnovers.
NEXT UP
The Privateers will host Texas A&M-Commerce at Lakefront Arena Monday night. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow @PrivateersHoops on Twitter, @PrivateersMBB on Instagram, like /PrivateersMBB on Facebook and subscribe to the PrivateerAthletics YouTube channel.
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!
