Privateers drop close battle to first place Lamar, 63-60

NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Privateers women’s basketball team took the conference leading Lamar Cardinals to the wire again but fell on the short end of a 63-60 decision on Saturday at the Lakefront Arena.

The Privateers led 57-52 more than halfway through the fourth quarter but the Cardinals got key stops as part of a 9-0 run. Lamar took the lead on a T’Aliyah Milner layup with 1:37 and extended the advantage to four points on the next possession.

New Orleans responded with a big three-point play the hard way as Nora Francois scored on a layup and got fouled. After she converted the free throw, the Privateers were within one with 17 seconds remaining.

After Akasha Davis went 1-of-2 from the free throw line, the Privateers had a chance to tie or take the lead. A jumper was missed on the next possession and Francois looked for the putback but was called for an offensive foul.

Lamar still left the door open after Brooklyn Mitchell only went 1-of-2 from the free throw line which kept the game at one possession with just over five seconds remaining. The Privateers could not get a tying shot off in time though and Lamar survived another close bout against New Orleans to remain atop the league standings at 12-1.

It was a game that saw 10 ties and 10 lead changes. New Orleans also shut down leading scorer, Sabria Dean who only had two points on five shots with four turnovers in 36 minutes.

In the second quarter, DeArica Pryor nailed a corner three which put her over the 1,000-point mark at New Orleans. Pryor became the 18th Privateer to accomplish the feat.

INSIDE THE BOX
Francois notched another double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Pryor had a team-high 22 points and added eight rebounds with four steals. Jayla Kimbrough had 16 points off the bench and was a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line.

Lamar got 19 points and 13 rebounds from Davis. R’Mani Taylor added 17 points and Jacei Denly finished with 12.

NEXT UP
The Privateers travel to Hammond to face Southeastern next Saturday. Tip is scheduled for 1 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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