NEW ORLEANS – A day that started with seniors being honored and alumni being recognized ended in heartbreak as the New Orleans Privateers were defeated 76-74 by the Northwestern State Lady Demons on Saturday at Lakefront Arena.
A game that saw big moments from both sides down the stretch included an
Alexis Calderon three-pointer that gave the Privateers a 74-71 lead with just over two minutes remaining. From there, Vernell Atamah got herself to the line on back-to-back possessions for Northwestern State.
She hit three free throws to level the score once again. The Lady Demons got to the line once again as Southland leading scorer, Mya Blake hit a pair of free throws to give the road team the lead with 47 seconds remaining.
After causing Payton Miller to turn the ball over, the Privateers had one more shot to tie or win it. They wound up having four shots in the final possession of the game, but could not convert as the Lady Demons escaped with the win.
The Privateers led by as many as 10 points in the second quarter. The lead changed hands five times and the score was tied five times.
Blake and Atamah combined to account for 57 points on 18-of-25 from the field. Atamah just missed a double-double as she had nine rebounds. The Lady Demons committed 21 turnovers on the day.
INSIDE THE BOX
Nora Francois had another big game with 20 points, six rebounds and two steals.
Jasmine Jones added 14 points and five boards.
Alexis Calderon finished with 11 points and four assists.
Syria Butler logged 36 minutes and went 4-of-6 while scoring 10 points. The Privateers shot 50 percent (9-of-18) from three-point range.
NEXT UP
The Privateers will travel to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Thursday. Tip is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
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