BOX SCORE
NEW ORLEANS – University of New Orleans fans got their first look at an exciting new era of Privateer basketball as they took the Sun Belt's Southern Mississippi to overtime before falling 105-102 in an exhibition showcase on Tuesday night.
Coach
Stacy Hollowell started a trio of newcomers (
JR Jacobs,
Kerwin Prince, and
James White) along with returnees
Jah Short and Jamond "Turk" Vincent.
Kerwin Prince and
James White both had evenings to remember with double-doubles in their unofficial Privateer debuts. Prince finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds on 7-of-8 shooting, while White finished with 23 points and 12 rebounds – both team highs.
New Orleans dominated Southern Miss in the paint on their way to a 48-48 halftime tie. The Privateers led for the majority of the first half using a strong effort in the paint. UNO outscored USM 26-16 in the paint and 14-7 on second chance points with eight offensive rebounds to USM's five in the first half.
With 7:37 to play, and the score tied at 70, New Orleans went on an 11-6 run to take an 81-76 lead into the under four minute media time out. Southern Miss slowly fought their way back into the game with Denijay Harris knocking down a straight away three to break Privateer hearts and tie the game 90-90 to send the game to overtime.
USM controlled overtime with Alfred Worrell knocking down free throws to extend the Southern Miss lead to 104-99 with 28 seconds to play in overtime. Vincent would knock down a three-pointer with 14 seconds to play to cut the UNO deficit to two, but that's as close as the Privateers would get.
New Orleans only turned the ball over nine times to Southern Miss's 14 and outscored the Golden Eagles 16-8 off those turnovers.
MJ Thomas finished 4-4 with 10 points in a little over 12 minutes off the bench. Harris finished with a double-double as well for USM with 30 points on 11-of-19 and 15 rebounds.
The Privateers return home on homecoming Nov. 9 when they host the Troy Trojans at Lakefront Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. and the game with be broadcast on ESPN+. Details regarding radio / audio will be made available closer to tipoff.
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!
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