NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Privateers women's basketball team got off to a strong start offensively but could not hold off a hot shooting HCU Huskies team in a 79-66 loss on Wednesday at Lakefront Arena.
The Privateers and Huskies were trading baskets early as
Jayla Kimbrough provided an initial spark with seven quick points off the bench for New Orleans. The Huskies countered with efficient shooting especially from three-point range and the score was tied at 16-16 with 4:13 remaining in the first.
That's when HCU hit their first run started off by a layup from Hannah Fields. The Huskies scored seven consecutive points in succession to close the first quarter with a 25-16 advantage.
HCU continued that run into the second quarter as they nailed their first four shots to open the quarter and extend their lead to 35-17. The Privateers forced 11 turnovers as they looked to chip away but they still faced a 14-point deficit as both teams went to the halftime locker room.
The Privateers were facing an uphill climb for most of the game but a quick five-point spurt closed the gap to 11 at the end of the third quarter. A three-pointer from
Hailee Brennen was followed by a fast break layup from
Shanihya Brown that shrunk the Huskies' lead to 60-49.
HCU responded by connecting on their first five field goal attempts in the fourth quarter to extend their lead to 22 by the final media timeout with 4:53 remaining.
Grace Booth led the Huskies with 15 points, eight rebounds and five assists. HCU had five players in double figures as Kamryn McLaurin also added 15 points. The Huskies shot 54.7 percent from the field and made 13-of-27 three-pointers.
INSIDE THE BOX
New Orleans had 13 steals as a team and forced 23 Huskies turnovers. Kimbrough finished with a team-high 14 points and
Mikayla Johnson added 11 points.
Lauren Banks finished with 10 rebounds, four assists and three steals to go along with six points.
Aaliyah Ellis finished with nine points.
NEXT UP
The Privateers will head to Tampa to take on South Florida. Tip is scheduled for 1 p.m.
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