HAMMOND, La. –
Coleton Benson nailed his fourth three-pointer of the game which proved to be the dagger with 0.1 seconds left as the New Orleans Privateers defeated the Southeastern Lions 79-76 on Monday night at the University Center.
Benson finished with 30 points but it was his wing three over Kyle Edison and Jeremy Elyzee that bounced in to secure the Privateers' fourth conference win of the season.
The game featured 16 ties and 19 lead changes as both teams went at it for the full 40 minutes. New Orleans led 76-75 after Benson put the visitors back ahead and the defense got a key stop with 33 seconds left.
However, the Privateers were called for traveling with 17 seconds left, which gave the Lions a second chance. Isaiah Gaines got to the line and hit one of two free throws to tie the score at 76-76, which set up the thrilling finish.
It was a tight game early on as the score was tied after eight minutes of play. That's when the Privateers hit their first surge of the game. A 10-2 run keyed by five points from Benson gave New Orleans a 26-18 edge with 8:59 left.
The Lions quickly closed the gap as they got within one point at the 5:06 mark, but the Privateers maintained the lead for the remainder of the opening 20 minutes of play. Benson and
Churchill Abass combined for 25 points in the first half as the Privateers carried a 38-34 lead into the locker room.
New Orleans out-rebounded Southeastern 44-36 on the night. The Privateers defense also held Southeastern to 36.1 percent shooting from the field, the third lowest field goal percentage allowed by the Privateers on the season.
Gaines finished with 18 points and Jalen Forrest had 12 points for the Lions. Edison added nine points for the home side.
INSIDE THE BOX
Benson went 8-for-18 from the field and 10-of-11 from the free throw line.
MJ Thomas finished with a double-double as he had 12 points and 12 rebounds. Abass had 11 points, eight rebounds and a career-high five blocks.
TJ Cope added seven points and four boards.
NEXT UP
The Privateers return to the Lakefront Arena to face Stephen F. Austin on Saturday at 5 p.m.
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