SAN ANTONIO -
In a pivotal matchup, the University of New Orleans men's basketball team (9-20, SLC 4-12) secured an 87-80 victory over UIW Saturday evening, halting a five-game losing streak and bolstering their position in the race for a spot in the Southland Conference tournament. With this crucial win, New Orleans now finds itself tied for eighth place with HCU.
Leading the charge for the Privateers was standout guard Jordan Johnson, who delivered a stellar performance with 31 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block in his 14th 20-plus point game of the season. Jamond Vincent and Tyson Jackson both achieved season-best performances. Vincent notched his eighth career double-double, tallying 16 points and ten rebounds, along with two assists, one steal, and one block. In his eighth game in double-figures, Jah Short contributed 14 points, four rebounds, a team-high four steals, two assists, and two blocks, while Jackson rounded out the quartet with 12 points and a team-high 13 rebounds, marking his seventh career double-double and his 11th game in double-figures this season.
The game began with Turk Vincent igniting the Privateers' offense, scoring the team's first seven points. New Orleans held UIW to just nine points near the midway point of the opening half. However, the Cardinals mounted a 19-5 run, tying the game at 27 with five minutes remaining in the half. Despite the close contest, New Orleans maintained their lead and went into halftime with a 39-36 advantage, led by Johnson's 11 points. The Privateers shot 41% from the field in the first half and narrowly outrebounded UIW 19-18.
In the second half, New Orleans continued their strong performance, shooting an impressive 51% from the field and 77% from the foul line. The game remained tightly contested, with both teams trading baskets throughout. With three minutes remaining, the Privateers held a four-point lead, but UIW mounted a comeback, narrowing the gap to just one point. However, New Orleans responded with clutch free throws, key steals, and lockdown defense, holding the Cardinals scoreless in the final 1:19 of the game.
The Privateers finished the game shooting 46% from the field and 72% from the foul line, while also notching 11 team steals to seal the victory.
NEXT UP: New Orleans will play its final road game at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Monday before hosting McNeese Wednesday. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m.
FOLLLOW US
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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!
