POSTGAME INTERVIEWS | COACH POWELL | NORA FRANCOIS
NEW ORLEANS –
Jayla Kimbrough hit a huge three out of a timeout and
Zoe Cooper nailed two clutch free throws late as the New Orleans Privateers outlasted the Nicholls Colonels 80-78 on Thursday at the Lakefront Arena.
With the win, the Privateers have officially clinched a spot in the Southland Tournament next month in Lake Charles.
Out of a timeout, the ball got to
Jayla Kimbrough's hands. The team's second-leading scorer on the season knocked down a huge three-pointer with 14 seconds left to give the Privateers a two-point edge. After a stop,
Zoe Cooper pulled down a rebound and was fouled with four seconds remaining.
Cooper stepped to the line and hit both free throws to effectively finish off the game. The Colonels had a putback right before the buzzer which accounted for the final points of a wild fourth quarter that saw both teams get to 30 points.
The Privateers built a 10-point lead with 5:38 remaining in the game but Nicholls was resilient. They scored on their next three possessions to cut the Privateer lead down to four. Nicholls took their first lead of the fourth quarter when Mikayla Etienne hit a three-pointer with 1:10 remaining.
DeArica Pryor responded with a jumper to put the Privateers back in front but that lead was short-lived. Lexi Alexander got to the rim and was fouled. Alexander hit both free throws to put the Colonels ahead 76-75.
The Privateers were able to routinely get the ball inside to
Nora Francois who posted her second double-double of the season. Francois had 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Alexis Calderon also had 20 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals while she played every second.
New Orleans has now swept two teams in conference play this season: HCU and Nicholls.
INSIDE THE BOX
Pryor scored 14 points and was 3-for-3 from three-point range. The senior guard is now seven points away from 1,000 at UNO. Kimbrough's clutch shot was part of a 15-point performance on the night. The Privateers were efficient from long range as they hit 6-of-10 three-pointers. They also had more assists (16) than turnovers (13).
Nicholls had five in double-figures led by Britiya Curtis who had 18. Alexander finished with a double-double (14 points, 11 rebounds). Kyla Hamilton had 16 points.
NEXT UP
The Privateers will face Lamar on Saturday, which is also Senior Day. Tip is slated for 2 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.
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