NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Privateers defense held UTRGV in check early, but the Vaqueros pulled away in the second half to score a 71-53 decision on Saturday afternoon at Lakefront Arena.
The Privateers fell behind by double digits in the first half but managed to trim the deficit to single digits by halftime. However, the Vaqueros began the third quarter on a 14-5 run and made 10-of-17 field goals in the third quarter to gain enough distance on their lead that carried them to the wire.
The Privateers kept the Vaqueros off the scoreboard for the first three minutes of the contest until a Chazlyn Dettor got the visitors on the board. New Orleans held a 10-6 lead at the midway point of the first quarter, but UTRGV turned the tables with a 14-0 run to end the quarter that ended on a buzzer beater three from Charlotte O'Keefe.
Both teams searched for their rhythm on offense as they were both under 30 percent from the field in the first half. The Vaqueros led by as many as 13 points, but the Privateers got the deficit back within single digits thanks to a five-point spurt from Brown who had 13 first half points.
UTRGV held a 32-24 lead at half but shot only 27.8 percent from the field. The Privateers shot 23.5 percent from the field in the first half.
Four Vaqueros scored in double figures and two players had double-doubles. O'Keefe finished with 14 points and 16 rebounds. Jalayah Ingram had 14 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Dettor finished with a team-high 17 points.
INSIDE THE BOX
Shanihya Brown finished with a team-high 18 points and added three assists.
Sharon Smith finished with 10 points.
Hailee Brennen added eight points and five rebounds.
Mikayla Johnson finished with a team-high eight rebounds.
NEXT UP
The Privateers will travel to UIW on Thursday, Feb. 12.
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