NEW ORLEANS –
Nora Francois poured in 24 points and
Jayla Kimbrough added a double-double, but a fourth quarter rally was turned away as the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders defeated the New Orleans Privateers 78-66 on Thursday night at Lakefront Arena.
Though the Privateers were fighting an uphill battle for most of the contest, they hit several spurts to tighten up the score. After Paige Allen hit a turnaround jumper to start the fourth and give the Islanders an 11-point lead, New Orleans went to work with quick offense and aggressive defense.
The culmination was a 13-4 run over the next few minutes to cut the Islander lead to 63-61 with 5:55 remaining in the game. The teams traded baskets, but the Islanders scored the next 13 points to ensure their first league win of the season.
While the Islanders started the game hot from the field (64.3 percent in the first quarter), the Privateers used a five-point advantage at the free throw line that kept the score close through the first quarter. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi had a 21-18 lead after 10 minutes.
The Islanders got some separation late in the second quarter and looked to take a double-digit lead into the break, but
Tre'Miyah Berry banked in a buzzer beater three-pointer for the Privateers. As the horn sounded, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi led 42-33.
New Orleans was able to hold the visitors to 37 percent from the field in the second and third quarter combined, but the Islanders were efficient from beyond the arc in big spots as they went 7-of-13 from long distance.
Allen wound up with 15 points and five rebounds. Mireia Aguado led the Islanders in scoring with 16 points. Nabaweeyah McGill had 13 points, six rebounds and four assists.
INSIDE THE BOX
The Privateers notched a season-high 20 assists. Individually,
Alexis Calderon led that category with five and added a team-high four steals. Kimbrough finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Berry added eight points and
Gabbi Cartagena finished with seven points, seven rebounds and four assists.
NEXT UP
The Privateers will host UTRGV on Saturday. Tip is scheduled 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.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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