NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Privateers women's basketball team battled back from a nine-point fourth quarter deficit to force overtime but they were defeated 69-66 by the Southeastern Lady Lions on Saturday at the Pride Roofing University Center.
New Orleans trailed 49-40 with just over six minutes left when they started their comeback.
Nora Francois was huge down the stretch for the Privateers in regulation as she knocked down a three-pointer to tie the game at 55-55 with 18 seconds left.
Southeastern's Hailey Giaratano was fouled on the next Lady Lions possession and she sank two free throws to give Southeastern a 57-55 lead. It was Francois who tied the game up on the next possession for the Privateers with a turnaround from the right block.
In overtime, the two teams battled back and forth until the final seconds. Francois was fouled and went to the line for two shots with the Privateers trailing 67-65. She sank the first free throw and knocked down the second but a foul on
Justice Ross waved off the second free throw which kept the Privateers behind.
Jalencia Pierre then missed two free throws which kept the score at 67-66. Out of a timeout, the Privateers did not get to inbound the ball before an offensive foul was called on Francois. Southeastern made two free throws on the other end and a game-tying three point attempt fell short at the buzzer.
The Privateers controlled the boards as they out-rebounded Southeastern 54-42. They also had 16 offensive rebounds on the day.
Head Coach
Trelanne Powell was ejected for the first time this season after Francois was called for a previous offensive foul with just over 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
INSIDE THE BOX
Francois had a career day with 30 points and 13 rebounds in 44 minutes.
DeArica Pryor finished with 14 points and
Jayla Kimbrough added 12.
Alexis Calderon battled foul trouble and was limited to 24 minutes before fouling out with two points on three shots and four assists.
Southeastern had four in double figures led by Allasia Washington's 17 points. Kennedy Paul added 13 points.
NEXT UP
The Privateers will travel to Texas A&M-CC on Thursday, Feb. 29.
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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