Johnson, Wilson-Rouse lead Privateers past Blazers, 79-65

NEW ORLEANS, La. – Senior guards Jordan Johnson and Khaleb Wilson-Rouse combined for 51 points Tuesday night to lead the New Orleans men’s basketball program to a 79-65 victory over Belhaven.

New Orleans remained undefeated on their home court, improving to a 4-4 overall on the season.

The Privateers held the visiting Blazers scoreless in the final 4:05 of the game to put away their third home win.

Jordan Johnson paced the Privateers with 29 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. The senior out of Memphis, Tenn. was 7-of-13 from the three-point range.

Behind Johnson was the New Orleans Player of the Game, Khaleb Wilson-Rouse. Averaging nearly 20 points per game over the last four contests, the Chicago native matched his career-high of 22 points while adding three assists and three steals. Both veteran guards were perfect at the foul line at 4-of-4.

Jamond Vincent led the Privateers on the boards with nine while scoring eight points. The New Orleans native was very efficient around the rim making his first three shots late in the first half.

The first half saw both teams make scoring runs as the Privateers led by as much as 15 before the Blazers cut the lead to just four, 40-36. Johnson scored 17 points in the opening half.

Belhaven continued to challenge New Orleans, tying the game on three occasions, but a three-pointer from Wilson-Rouse at 12:34 sparked a 14-3 run for the home team. The Blazers battled back to within 68-65, only for the New Orleans defense to rise up in the final minutes.

Jah Short was crucial in the second-half defensive effort, helping to slow down Belhaven leading scorer Judah Jordan, who posted a career-high 24 points.

The Privateers, who rank among the best in Division I in forced turnovers, scored 20 points off 17 Blazers turnovers. New Orleans enjoyed a 20-4 advantage in bench points and 20-8 in fastbreak points.

UP NEXT
The Privateers head to California for a pair of games, starting with San Jose State on Saturday at 4 p.m. CT.

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