Privateers forces 26 turnovers but fall short against Colonels

NEW ORLEANS – Despite a strong effort from the New Orleans men’s basketball team (8-19, 3-11 Southland), they fell short against Nicholls State, succumbing to an 89-77 defeat Monday night on the Lakefront. Despite the loss, the Privateers showcased a balanced offensive performance with four players reaching double figures, spearheaded by Carlos Hart’s standout performance.

Hart, delivering his best game on home turf, led the charge with 20 points, complemented by seven rebounds, three steals, one block, and an assist. His stellar play marked the junior’s second game this season with 20 or more points. Joining him in the scoring effort were Jah Short and Jordan Johnson, both contributing 13 points each. Johnson’s performance included two steals, two blocks, three assists, and a crucial three-pointer, the lone triple for New Orleans.

Meanwhile, Short displayed defensive prowess with a team-high five steals, along with three rebounds, two assists, and a block. Mason Jones rounded out the quartet with ten points, accompanied by a steal and a rebound.

In the first half, New Orleans struggled to find success from long range but compensated by shooting efficiently from the free-throw line, hitting 85% of their attempts, including perfect 4-of-4 performances from both Kaleb Jenkins and Jordan Johnson. The Privateers showcased resilience with two separate scoring runs, including an 11-0 surge followed by a 5-0 spurt to close out the half. However, Nicholls responded with consecutive three-pointers, extending their lead to 10 points as they finished the half ahead 41-34.

Despite New Orleans’ attempts to narrow the gap in the second half, Nicholls consistently had an answer, preventing the Privateers from closing within seven points throughout the remainder of the game.

New Orleans shot nearly 40% from the field and 65% from the foul line.

On the game, the Colonels connected on 50% of their field goals and nearly matched that from beyond the arc, securing the victory and clinching a spot in the Southland Conference Tournament.

UP NEXT: The Privateers will embark upon a three-game road swing beginning Saturday at Southeastern. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Fans can tune into the live action on ESPN+ or NASH FM 106.1.

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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!