NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Privateers made 42 free throws, tying a single game program record as they defeated the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders 84-78 in a wild overtime game on Monday night at Lakefront Arena.
New Orleans had made 42 free throws twice in a game prior to this: the last occurrence was in 2014 against Nicholls.
The Privateers got it to overtime after
Jakevion Buckley drove strong to the hoop for a layup with 25 seconds remaining. Tasked with getting a stop on defense, New Orleans did just that on a
TJ Cope block. New Orleans tried to call timeout after securing possession but it was ruled that time had expired.
In overtime,
Coleton Benson hit a three-pointer that got the Privateers ahead early. It remained a one-possession game in overtime until a Cope bucket off a Buckley assist with 1:05 left in the extra frame put the Privateers ahead by five.
The Islanders got it back within one point off a Leo Torbor free throw and a Nicholas Shogbonyo three-pointer off a missed second free throw attempt. However, Buckley hit a jumper on the next possession and the Privateers used the free throw line late to seal the victory as they hit their last six foul shots in the final minute.
A first half that featured 29 foul calls including a double flagrant saw both teams combine for 36 free throw trips through the opening 20 minutes of play. The Islanders got out to a 6-1 lead at the first media timeout, but the Privateers quickly erased that deficit by the under-12 media timeout.
New Orleans had 25 free throw trips and 21 makes in the first half. Buckley had 10 points and was a perfect 6-for-6 from the charity stripe in that span. Meanwhile, neither team could find their rhythm from the field as both sides were under 40 percent from the field.
The Privateers held a 35-30 lead at the half, which was also keyed by a 22-14 advantage on the boards. New Orleans wound up winning the battle on the glass 40-37. All 11 of their wins this season have come when they've won the rebounding battle.
Sheldon Williams had 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Islanders. Franck Yetna and Devon Pearson finished with 10 points each. The Islanders had 37 free throw attempts on the night and 26 makes.
INSIDE THE BOX
Buckley finished with a team-high 22 points and was 12-for-14 from the free throw line. Benson had 18 points and made all eight of his free throw attempts. Cope added 16 points and six rebounds.
Enzo Boudouma finished with 12 points and nine rebounds.
Churchill Abass had four of the team's six blocks.
NEXT UP
The Privateers will travel to HCU on Saturday with a 3:30 p.m. tip.
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