Pryor’s career-high 35 not enough for Privateers in OT loss to McNeese at SLC tourney

LAKE CHARLES, La. – DeArica Pryor went off for a career-high 35 points but the New Orleans Privateers’ season ended in an 87-82 overtime loss to the McNeese Cowgirls in the first round of the Southland Tournament at the Legacy Center.

The Privateers led 72-68 with 1:03 remaining in regulation but Stephanie Guihon’s layup cut the lead in half. After McNeese got a stop, Guihon earned two free throw trips and sank both. As it played out, each team had a shot to win it but neither could get one off.

In the overtime period, the Privateers got an early advantage on a Hennessey Luu-Brown corner triple. From there, McNeese went on an 8-0 run to take an 82-77 lead with 49 seconds left.

Pryor stuck a triple that cut the Cowgirls lead to two with 30.8 seconds remaining. The Privateers fouled Desirae Hansen who only made 1-of-2 and left the Privateers a chance to tie. It was not to be though as a missed three-pointer was followed by a turnover.

From there, the Cowgirls were able to hang on and advance to the second round of the tournament on Tuesday.

Pryor started off hot with 14 first quarter points and the Privateers dug out of an early deficit with a huge run. After trailing 17-10, New Orleans went on an ensuing 13-2 run over the remainder of the quarter.

Both teams battled through a more defensive oriented second quarter. The Privateers were held without a field goal for the final 4:29 of the half while McNeese was just 4-of-13 from the field. When the horn sounded to end the first half, there was nothing in between both teams on the scoreboard as they were knotted at 34-34.

INSIDE THE BOX
Pryor shot 50 percent from the field (12-of-24) and added four steals before fouling out in the overtime period. Justice Ross scored 11 points and added seven rebounds. Tara Green finished with nine points and a team-high 12 rebounds.

McNeese had four in double figures. Kaili Chamberlin and Divine Tanks co-led the Cowgirls with 19 points each. Divine Tanks added 16. Guihon finished with 14.

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