UNO forces 30 turnovers in 87-59 win over Pensacola Christian

Defense Swarms Way to Win on Historic Night

NEW ORLEANS – The defense forced 30 Pensacola Christian College (1-5) turnovers in a 87-59 dominating victory Monday evening at Lakefront Arena but the night ended with a celebration of a constant on the sidelines.

Head coach Mark Slessinger, in the midst of his eighth season at the helm of the program, tied Ron Greene for most games coached in history (211). Taking over the program as it debated a move down a division, Slessinger has led the Privateers to back-to-back postseasons for the first time since 1996-97.

The Privateers scored 33 points off the PCC turnovers and the bench collected 54 of UNO’s (2-1) 87 points, led by Bryson Robinson’s 13.

FIRST HALF
The Privateers got on the board first with a Scott Plaisance Jr. jumper, but Pensacola Christian made the most of its second chance opportunities to take a 12-5 lead with 17:30 to go. New Orleans tied with seven unanswered coming out of the first media on Jahmel Myers’ dunk. Down four moments later, Myers’ dunk and Robinson’s triple put UNO in front for the first time since the opening basket.

As the clubs trading points, Troy Green’s tip-in at the 10:12 mark gave the Privateers a 23-21 edge and the lead was extended to six on Jorge Rosa’s three. The senior checked into the game seconds before draining his first shot of the ballgame.

At the half, UNO led 40-30 with the bench scoring 21 of its points. Myers scored six points and swiped two passes. The Privateers forced 17 Eagle turnovers for 19 points as Myers, Robinson, Green and Gerrale Gates collected two steals apiece. Ezekiel Charles led the way with eight points – six from three-point range – followed by Plaisance’s seven. Gates pulled down five rebounds.

New Orleans dished out 10 assists on 14 field goals. Ian Johnson paced Pensacola Christian with 12 points on 6-of-10 shooting.

SECOND HALF
The defense continued to cash in on the Eagles’ miscues, outscoring Pensacola Christian by 15 at the 4:37 mark. The bench tallied 46 of UNO’s 79 points and 31 total points came off the PCC 28 turnovers.

On the second chance bucket by Tyren Harrison with 4:09 remaining, the senior tied his career-high (nine points) to extend the New Orleans lead to 81-56.

INSIDE THE BOX
Charles reached double figures with 12 points and Harrison posted a career-high 11 points on 3-of-3 shooting. Gerrale Gates finished with six points, five rebounds and three steals. Bryson Robinson and Lamont Berzat dished out four assists apiece.

FROM COACH SLESS
“It’s a blessing and true honor to be in this great city, representing this amazing university. I met my wife here, we adopted our two kids here. We love it here.”

NEXT UP
The Privateers head to UAB Wednesday at 7 p.m.

SOCIAL MEDIA
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Box Score: https://unoprivateers.com/boxscore.aspx?path=mbball&id=9139
Recap Video: https://youtu.be/UlcFLT_nBD4