LAKE CHARLES, La. - Jordan Johnson's electrifying 34-point performance propelled the University of New Orleans men's basketball squad to a thrilling 78-66 upset victory over Southeastern in the opening round of the Southland Conference Tournament on Sunday night at the Legacy Center.
With this win, New Orleans advances to the quarterfinals, where they will clash against Lamar on Monday at 5 p.m.
The showdown kicked off with New Orleans setting a dominant tone, igniting a 7-0 run fueled by a poster dunk from freshman
Jah Short. Despite Southeastern's response with an 18-2 surge, seizing the lead midway through the first half, the Privateers refused to relent.
Trailing by six points with just under eight minutes remaining in the half,
Mason Jones' offensive rebound and subsequent layup narrowed the deficit. A pivotal steal by Turk Vincent, followed by clutch foul shots, brought New Orleans within striking distance. James Glisson III's clutch three-pointer then propelled the Privateers back into the lead for good. Down the stretch, contributions from Glisson III and Johnson extended the Privateers' lead to six points heading into halftime. Johnson finished the half with 14 points.
The second half witnessed a continuation of New Orleans' dominance, as they quickly surged to double-digit lead. Johnson sinking three three-pointers, coupled with relentless drives from
Khaleb Wilson-Rouse and Short, propelled New Orleans to their largest lead of 18 points. The Memphis native's second-half showing, amassing 20 points, proved insurmountable for the Lions, despite their efforts to narrow the gap. Notable contributions from players like
Carlos Hart, who capitalized on the charity stripe, further solidified the Privateer's grip on the game.
New Orleans boasted a 42% success rate from the field and an impressive 88% accuracy from the free-throw line, clinching their first win in the tournament.
Johnson's 34 points came on 11-of-24 shooting from the field, four three-pointers, and 8-of-10 free-throws. The senior guard also grabbed three rebounds, dished out three assists, and got two steals. Behind Johnson, Glisson recorded his first double-double with 12 points and a team-high ten rebounds, while Hart added ten points and four rebounds.
NEXT UP: New Orleans will face four-seeded Lamar at 5 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!
