LAKE CHARLES, La. – The McNeese Cowboys used 31 points off turnovers and 19 offensive rebounds to pull away in the second half of an 82-63 win over the New Orleans Privateers on Saturday at Townsley Law Arena.
New Orleans was trailing for most of the game but kept it within range as they trailed 57-51 after a fast break dunk by
MJ Thomas with 13:33 remaining. From there, the Cowboys scored 16 of the next 22 points over the next nine minutes of play to help secure the victory that moved them to 9-2 in Southland play.
The Cowboys were highly efficient in converting turnovers to points. 12 New Orleans turnovers in the first half led to 21 McNeese points and a 13-3 run near the end of the first half extended McNeese's lead to 41-28.
However, the Privateers got it back to within single digits in the remaining 1:30.
Coleton Benson hit a pair of free throws after a technical foul was assessed to Cowboys coach Bill Armstrong.
TJ Cope also had four points in that final stretch as the Privateers trailed 42-34 at the break.
The early stages saw the lead change hands four times. Benson hit a pair of three-pointers within the first five minutes to help the Privateers to an early 11-9 lead. McNeese quickly grabbed the lead back at the 14:05 mark and maintained it for the rest of the half.
McNeese had 18 assists on 26 made field goals. Larry Johnson led all scorers with 26 points on the day. Garwey Dual added 14 points and five rebounds. Tyshawn Archie added 10 points.
INSIDE THE BOX
Benson finished with 23 points on 7-of-11 from the field. Cope added 12 points and Thomas notched 11 along with eight rebounds.
Jakevion Buckley had five assists and three steals.
NEXT UP
The Privateers will now play Nicholls on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. It was announced by the Colonels the game has been moved from its Monday slot due to inclement weather concerns.
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