NEW ORLEANS, La. - New Orleans men's basketball (8-15, 3-7 SLC) cruised to victory in a dominant fashion (84-58) over HCU at Lakefront Arena on Monday night, improving to a 17-8 record over the Huskies.
The Privateers surged ahead with a scorching start, establishing an 11-4 lead in less than three minutes, thanks to stellar performances from three players who finished in double-figures (Jordan Johnson, Khaleb Wilson-Rouse, and Turk Vincent). Despite the Huskies narrowing the gap on multiple occasions, Vincent's first of four dunks ignited an impressive 18-6 run for the home team, carrying them into halftime. New Orleans stifled HCU, limiting them to eight field goals, including just one 3-pointer, and forcing ten turnovers.
The second half saw the Privateers pushing the pace even more, extending their lead to as much as 30 points, with most buckets coming in the paint and in transition. In a mirror image of the first half, New Orleans held HCU to a mere 31% shooting, allowing only 10 field goals.
The Silver and Blue showcased efficiency on all fronts, particularly on the defensive end, out-rebounding HCU 41-37, forcing 15 turnovers, and securing eight steals.
Three Privateers stood out in double-figures, led by Johnson, who notched an impressive 24 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals in his 11th game with 20 or more points. Following closely was veteran guard Wilson-Rouse with 16 points, a team-best six assists, and three rebounds, marking his second consecutive game in double-figures. The senior from Chicago, Ill., also showcased his prowess from beyond the arc, going 4-of-8. Vincent rounded out the trio with 14 points, a team-best eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals, marking his fourth consecutive game in double-figures. Carlos Hart finished on the cusp of double-figures with nine points and seven rebounds. Dorian Booker also had an impressing outing as he scored six points marking a career-high for the true freshman against a division I opponent.
UP NEXT: The Privateers look forward to a two-game road swing with their first stop at Texas A&M Commerce this Saturday. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m.
WE ARE YOUR KREWE Â
For 54 seasons, Privateer student-athletes have had the unique experience of wearing New Orleans across their chests. Â Like the city itself, our sports teams have been fueled by resiliency, grit, and the unquenchable desire to win. Â 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. Â Join #NOLAsTeam, We Are Your Krewe!
