Troy Green’s season-high 29 fuels Privateers rally past Islanders, 78-69

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NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Privateers stepped up in a big way in the second half, outscoring the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders by 12 to rally for a 78-69 win on Thursday evening at Lakefront Arena.

Troy Green had a season-high 29 points as the Privateers pulled off the regular season sweep against the Islanders for the third time since 2018.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Privateers were chasing for most of the game after a 9-2 run gave the Islanders a 26-17 lead with 8:43 left in the first half. New Orleans managed to trim the deficit down to just one possession and went to the locker room down 37-34.

In the second half, New Orleans saw their first chance to either tie or take the lead since the score was level at 13-13 with 13:36 left in the first half. That opportunity came just outside of 10 minutes left in regulation but the Privateers were whistled for an offensive foul.

However, New Orleans got another crack at gaining the lead on the next trip down and that’s when Kmani Doughty splashed a corner triple off a Green assist to give New Orleans a 54-53 lead.

The Privateers continued to gain the momentum from there as they held the Islanders to just 36.7 percent from the field in the second half. New Orleans was also plus-five in the turnover category in the second half.

New Orleans had an eight-point lead at the final media timeout but the Islanders closed the gap to 69-67 with 1:39 left. However, the Privateers got a big response bucket from Green on the next possession to give the Privateers a two-possession lead. The Privateers also went 5-of-6 as a team from the free throw line in the final minute.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
On top of his season-high in points, Green also added six rebounds in 37 minutes. Derek St. Hilaire notched his 16th game of 20 or more points as he contributed 22 to the win.

Simeon Kirkland had nine points, six rebounds and two steals. Kmani Doughty chipped in eight points in 16 minutes.

FROM COACH SLESS
“The number one driver was our atmosphere. I can’t tell you how much it means to our student-athletes to have that energy in the best basketball venue in Louisiana. For us to fight through those tough stretches, it was the energy in the building that gave us the fire.”

“Troy and Derek are such a special duo. To see how they play together is special and you don’t get these guys all the time. And to see the poise they had from Derek in the first half doubled with Rodney’s defense and Troy being able to close it out with Daniel, Kmani and our forwards.”

NEXT UP
The Privateers will host UIW on Saturday. Tip is scheduled for 4 p.m.

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

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