Privateers squeeze out Homecoming victory over St. Francis (Ill.), 65-63

NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans men’s basketball program narrowly beat the St. Francis Fighting Saints 65-63 Saturday afternoon to conclude Homecoming week.

The Privateers forced 33 turnovers and juniors Khaleb Wilson-Rouse and Jordan Johnson, both with 14 points, hit big three pointers down the stretch to keep the momentum.

THE BASICS

FINAL SCORE: New Orleans – 65, St. Francis (Ill.) – 63
LOCATION: Lakefront Arena
RECORDS: New Orleans 1-1 (0-0 Southland), St. Francis (Ill.) 1-1 (1-0 CCAC)

COACH’S CORNER: MARK SLESSINGER
This game did not meet the standard for what we need to do. We have a lot of work to do. We have a big week this week in preparation to go up to Baton Rouge and play the Tigers. It’s going to be a huge week for growth and development. We have to get better at everything.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
• Johnson and Wilson Rouse led the way for the Privateers with 14 points apiece. In 34 minutes, Johnson also added two rebounds, five assists, and five steals. Wilson-Rouse had four assists, two rebounds, and one steal.
• Omarion Henry, Tyson Jackson, and D’ante Bell chipped in six points. Henry pulled down four rebounds, and Bell pulled down two.
• Sophomore Spencer Simes scored five in addition to three rebounds for the Privateers in his debut in the blue and silver.
• Both Jamond Vincent and K’mani Doughty contributed four points. Doughty led the team in rebounds and matched his career high with six.
• Daniel Sackey, Simeon Kirkland, and Darrius Washington chipped in two points apiece.
• 11 Privateers scored a basket in this one.

NEXT UP
The Privateers will head up the road to Baton Rouge to take on SEC Power LSU Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast nationally on the SEC Network + and can be heard locally on NASH ICON 106.1 FM. The Voice of the Privateers, Jude Young, will be joined on color by Tic Price.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow @PrivateersHoops on Twitter, @PrivateersHoops on Instagram, like /PrivateersMBB on Facebook and subscribe to the PrivateerAthletics YouTube channel.