Privateers women get revenge on Southeastern behind strong defensive effort

NEW ORLEANS – On an emotional day, the New Orleans Privateers defended with ferocity for all 40 minutes in a 59-42 victory over the Southeastern Lady Lions on Saturday afternoon at the Lakefront Arena.

New Orleans (4-14, 3-6) busted open a close game in the third quarter as they outscored Southeastern 22-9. That extended a three-point lead to 16 by the turn to the fourth quarter. Southeastern never provided a threat in the final stanza as they were held without a basket for the first 2:18 of the fourth.

With Head Coach Keeshawn Davenport in attendance, it was a tear-jerking scene after the game. Once the final horn sounded, the team rushed to hug Coach Davenport who had lost her father last week.

Southeastern (11-8, 6-3) was held to 27.8 percent from the field for the game. It was the first time the Privateers held an opponent under 30 percent from the field since Jan. 27, 2021 (Northwestern State). It was also the lowest field goal percentage an opponent converted at since Feb. 26, 2020 (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, 26.1).

DeArica Pryor led the offensive effort with 16 points and added four steals along with three assists and two blocks. Hennessey Luu-Brown scored 12 points and had three steals.

The Privateer defense frustrated Southeastern through large portions of the first half. After the Lady Lions jumped out to a 15-7 lead with 1:48 left in the first quarter, they were held to 10 points for the remainder of the half.

New Orleans’ defense held Southeastern to just 29.8 percent from the field in the first half and just 3-of-13 from the field in the second quarter. Meanwhile, a balanced scoring effort by the Privateers kept them with a narrow advantage heading into the locker room.

At the half, New Orleans led 28-25. Despite foul trouble (three Privateers had two or more fouls in the first half), the home side surged ahead by hitting on nearly 47 percent of their shots in the second stanza.

INSIDE THE BOX
Nora Francois led the team in rebounds with six and added eight points. Nahja Scott drew four fouls and pulled in five rebounds. Tomyree Thompson and Kyla Davis were big contributors off the bench with six points each. Davis added four rebounds while Thompson knocked down 4-of-5 free throw attempts.

Alexius Horne was the only Lady Lion in double figures with 10 points. Cierra Cunningham added nine points.

NEXT UP
The Privateers will host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Thursday, Feb. 2. Tip is scheduled for 5 p.m.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow @PrivateersWBB on Twitter, @PrivateersWBB on Instagram, and like /PrivateersWBB on Facebook.