Jordan Johnson scores 34 to lead Privateers past Lions in SLC opening round

LAKE CHARLES, La. — Eighth-seeded New Orleans replicated its upset-minded efforts of last postseason, defeating fifth-seeded Southeastern 78-66 in the first round of the 2024 Jersey Mike’s Southland Men’s Basketball Championship presented by Explore Louisiana Sunday evening.

New Orleans (10-22) advances to Monday’s quarterfinal matchup against fourth-seeded Lamar at 5 p.m. on ESPN+. Southeastern ends its season at a 15-17 mark.

On to the NEXT ROUND

New Orleans pulls the upset!#EarnedEveryDay x @PrivateersHoops pic.twitter.com/seQzVqN9ls

— Southland Conference (@SouthlandSports) March 11, 2024

The Privateers will play in the quarterfinal round after a first-round victory for the second straight season.

Johnson tallied 32 points against SLU last season in the quarterfinal round of the tournament. He did that mark two points better this time around, posting 34.

JJ IS ON 🔥

Privateers have pushed the lead to double digits!

📺 https://t.co/zi75GuNWLF#EarnedEveryDay x @PrivateersHoops pic.twitter.com/xbqCNTHfJn

— Southland Conference (@SouthlandSports) March 10, 2024

Southeastern leading scorer Nick Caldwell dealt with foul trouble throughout the contest and fouled out with 4:18 left in the game. He finished with 10 points on three-of-eight shooting.

Roger McFarlane led the Lions with 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting.

The Privateers started the game on a 7-0 run that Southeastern matched with its own 13-0 run. That spurt ballooned into an 18-9 lead for the Lions, their largest positive margin of the game.

New Orleans ended the first half on a 30-15 run and reclaimed a 26-25 lead at 6:35 on a James Glisson III three. The Privateers would not concede that advantage for the remainder of the game.

1H | new orleans 26, southeastern 25

we take the lead thanks to JGIII. 🫵
pic.twitter.com/DDiZK7l7dF

— New Orleans Men’s Basketball (@PrivateersHoops) March 10, 2024

The eight-seed expanded its lead to as many as 18 in the second half and utilized a stingy defense to hamper the Lions offense. Southeastern ended with 17 turnovers.

The fifth seed had one more run left in its arsenal. McFarlane sparked a 6-0 run that pulled Southeastern within eight at 65-57 at 4:53.

Johnson drew Caldwell’s fifth foul on the ensuing possession and the Privateers closed the game on a 13-9 run.

The New Orleans point guard hit a three with 1:32 remaining to reach his previous 32-point mark and made two of his final four foul shots to secure his final total.