Cooper notches career high as Privateers win at HCU

HOUSTON, Texas – The New Orleans Privateers overwhelmed the HCU Huskies on the boards and Zoe Cooper had a career-high in points in a 57-48 victory Thursday night at Sharp Gym.

Cooper scored a career-high 16 points and added six boards as New Orleans had a strong fourth quarter close out what was a close game throughout.

New Orleans hit 50 percent of their shots from the field and they were a perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter as they outscored HCU 18-12 in a pivotal final quarter to seal just their second win at Sharp Gym since joining the Southland in 2013.

The Privateers were trailing narrowly at halftime but they took over the lead for good with 5:11 left in the third quarter when DeArica Pryor knocked down a three-pointer to give the Privateers a 31-28 advantage.

The Huskies jumped out to a 9-0 lead within the first two minutes of the game. From there, the Privateer defense shut down the home team as they allowed only 14 points for the remaining 18 minutes of the half.

New Orleans grabbed their first lead of the game when Justice Ross completed a three-point play at the line at the 6:31 mark. The Privateers led by as many as five points but the Huskies grabbed the lead in the final seconds of the half when N’Denasija Collins hit two free throws with 3.7 seconds left in the half.

The Privateers did not allow an offensive rebound in the first half and they had a 27-19 advantage on the glass in the first 20 minutes.

INSIDE THE BOX
Nora Francois finished with nine points and seven boards. Pryor added nine points. Nahja Scott finished with seven points. Ross had five boards and three blocks. Alexis Calderon led the team in rebounding with eight boards and added three steals.

Enya Maguire led the Huskies with 13 points. Yasmin Butler also scored in double figures with 10. Collins was held to six points on 1-of-11 shooting.

NEXT UP
The Privateers return home on Saturday to face Northwestern State. Tip is scheduled for 2 p.m.

WE ARE YOUR KREWE
For 54 seasons, Privateer student-athletes have had the unique experience of wearing New Orleans across their chests. Like the city itself, our sports teams have been fueled by resiliency, grit, and the unquenchable desire to win. Our city also houses the nation’s biggest celebration each year. And much like a Mardi Gras parade krewe, we are tethered to our community through pride, tradition, a culture of acceptance, and finally our commitment to show that New Orleans is a world-class city to live, learn, play and work. We invite you to become more involved with the only University that truly represents New Orleans all day, every day. Join #NOLAsTeam, We Are Your Krewe!
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SOCIAL MEDIA
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