NATCHITOCHES, La. – The New Orleans Privateers went cold from the field over a crucial nine-minute stretch in the second half as the Northwestern State Demons rallied to take a 74-68 decision on Saturday at Prather Coliseum.
The Privateers controlled most of the action throughout the first half and the early stages of the second half. New Orleans led by 11 points when
Kedrick Osby hit a jumper with 12:21 remaining in the contest.
From there, New Orleans missed their next 14 shots and in that time span, the Demons steadily chipped away at the advantage. They went in front for the first time in the second half on a three-pointer by Landyn Jumawan with 5:26 remaining.
Jakevion Buckley scored on back-to-back possessions for the Privateers to trim the Demons lead down to 64-63 with 2:26 remaining, but that's as close as New Orleans got in the final stages. Northwestern State hit all seven of their free throw attempts in the final two minutes to close out the game.
New Orleans got off to a hot start on the day as they built up a lead as large as 10 points in the first half. The Privateers were 16-of-29 (55 percent) from the field in the opening 20 minutes as three players (Buckley,
Coleton Benson and
MJ Thomas) all got in double figures in the first half.
The Privateers built their lead to as big as 14 points early in the second half before Northwestern State commenced their rally. Though the Demons only shot 37.9 percent from the field in the second half, they made up for it at the free throw line with a 14-4 edge in makes and an 18-5 advantage in attempts from the charity stripe in the final 20 minutes.
Five Demons scored in double figures, led by Chris Mubiru who had 16 points. Willie Williams added 13 points and 13 rebounds. Izzy Miles had 12 points on the day.
INSIDE THE BOX
Buckley led the Privateers with 17 points and added four assists. Thomas finished with a double-double as he had 16 points and 12 rebounds. Benson finished with 15 points and seven boards.
NEXT UP
The Privateers return home to face East Texas A&M on Monday at 7 p.m.
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