UNO guards Robinson, Charles post career-highs in 79-66 defeat at SMU

Robinson scored 12 points in the first half and all 14 of Charles’ points came in the second stanza

DALLAS – Playing in front of numerous friends and family, Bryson Robinson finished with a career-high 16 points, six rebounds and five assists and Ezekiel Charles added 14 points and two steals in the University of New Orleans’ (2-6) 79-66 loss at #RV SMU (8-3) Wednesday evening at Moody Coliseum.

Robinson was lights out in the opening frame, draining three triples before the halfway point of the first. All 14 of Charles’ points came in the second frame as the transfer finished 5-of-7 from the floor and 4-of-6 from three-point range. The duo combined to go 10-of-14 from the field and 7-of-10 from long distance.

“We were able to shoot the three tonight even without one of the best catch-and-shoot guys in Jorge Rosa,” said head coach Mark Slessinger. “Overall, we played hard and continued to grind. I am very pleased with the effort coming off an 11-day layoff. We made some improvements and will continue to do so throughout the week.”

Travin Thibodeaux added 15 points and three assists and Troy Green posted nine points, four assists and a steal. Michael Zeno and Makur Puou picked up two steals apiece.

FIRST HALF
Robinson set a career mark midway through the stanza with 11 points on 3-of-4 shooting. The sophomore from just 20 minutes away (Mesquite) drained three from long distance, also a career-high.

Robinson finished the frame with a 12 points and three rebounds to lead UNO but the Privateers trailed 44-34 at the half. Thibodeaux returned to the starting lineup with nine points and two assists on 4-of-8 shooting and Green added seven points and three assists. SMU scored 17 points off 11 New Orleans turnovers and the Privateers forced 10 Mustang TOs. Ethan Chargois and Jarrey Foster scored 10 points apiece in the frame.

The Stangs shot 59.3 percent and went 7-of-14 from long distance and the Privateers connected on 50.0 percent from the floor.

SECOND HALF
New Orleans caught fire minutes into the second half, highlighted by Charles’ back-to-back triples. All in all, UNO hit seven straight field goals and Zeke drained back-to-back-to-back triples to cut SMU lead to six with 12:13 left to play. During the run, Charles scored 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting.

SMU was able to improve to 32-0 at home under coach Jankovich with the 79-66 victory. The Privateers forced 17 turnovers and went 8-of-15 from three-point range.

All five of the Mustangs’ starters reached double figures, led by Jimmy Whitt’s game-high 19 points and eight dimes.

NEXT UP
The Privateers continue the busy stretch before Christmas with a road slate at ULL Saturday at 7 p.m., a home contest versus Oklahoma Panhandle State Monday at 7 p.m. and bout at UAB Wednesday at 7 p.m.

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