UNO Ekes Out Win at UCA

Khaleb Wilson-Rouse

A day after an epic meltdown resulting in a loss to North Dakota, the Privateers came through down the stretch to avoid a double disaster, beating host Central Arkansas 79-74.

Having blown a 16-point lead yesterday, New Orleans (3-3) built another early 16-point lead today, up 30-14 on the Bears in the first half.  An eight-point halftime lead evaporated, and UNO trailed 72-67 late.  Two huge threes from Khaleb Wilson-Rouse helped the Privateers out of oblivion, and some critical late Tyson Jackson rebounds secured the win.

Wilson-Rouse had a career game, with 22 points on 9-for-13 shooting to go along with 8 rebounds and 8 steals.  Jordan Johnson, meanwhile, bombed six three-pointers en route to 29 points (20 in the first half).  The visitors forced UCA into 24 turnovers.

UNO heads to Big Ten country to take on Minnesota on Thursday.

Privateers Blow Lead, Lose to North Dakota

Playing the first game of an MTE in Conway, Arkansas, the Privateers had complete control of their game against North Dakota and fumbled it away late, dropping a 71-69 decision in overtime.

New Orleans (2-3), losers of three straight, maintained control throughout until a UND spurt resulted in their first lead at 47-46.  UNO responded with a huge 14-4 run that felt like it secured the win, until the Privateers committed several turnovers and unnecessary early shots and blew another lead, sending the game to overtime.

UNO led for much of overtime as well before surrendering the final six points of the game, turning a 69-65 lead into a 71-69 loss.

Jordan Johnson led New Orleans with 18 points but shot poorly (7-for-19).  Khaleb Wilson-Rouse added 16.

The Privateers will face host Central Arkansas tomorrow afternoon.

Porous Defense Dooms UNO in Stillwater

Senior Tyson Jackson

The Privateers hung tough for much of the night, but soft defense and foul trouble eventually buried them in a 96-68 loss at Oklahoma State.

New Orleans (2-2) trailed by just six at the half, and were within 65-60 of the Cowboys deep into the second half when they surrendered a 22-0 run.

Jordan Johnson again led UNO with 23 points, and Tyson Jackson added 15.  No one else hit double figures.  James Glisson III fouled out, and four other Privateers had four fouls.

UNO heads to Conway, Arkansas this weekend to participate in a two-day holiday round robin against North Dakota and host Central Arkansas.

Privateers Fall Just Short in Chicago

Senior G Jordan Johnson

Led by Jordan Johnson's 31 points, New Orleans played competitively but fell just short at Loyola-Chicago, 73-70.

Though the Privateers stayed close the entire game, they oddly never led after falling behind early 10-2.  UNO climbed its way back in and maintained a steady small deficit throughout, until Johnson began raining three-point bombs late and got his team within 2 at a couple of different points.  No one else was able to step up and share the offensive burden, and the Privateers couldn't quite overtake the ramblers.

Johnson was the only Privateer in double-digits.  The next closest was Carlos Hart, whose 9 points came on 2-for-9 shooting from the field.  Outside of Johnson, New Orleans shot just 12-for-44 and 3-for-13 from beyond the arc.

UNO will turn around quickly and head to Oklahoma State for a Monday contest.

UNO Hits 100 Again in Rout Over SUNO

In New Orleans' last tune-up before they begin the road portion of their pre-conference schedule, the Privateers rolled over outgunned SUNO 106-69 at Lakefront Arena on Homecoming Day.

With the likes of Tim Floyd, Tic Price, Ron Maestri, Bo McCalebb, and a host of ex-players from the days of yore watching on, UNO struggled early but quickly gained its footing.  With the game tied at 20, the Privateers (2-0) launched into a 21-5 run, aided by two Jordan Johnson three-pointers, to remove any doubt.

Johnson led the way for UNO with 21 points, including three from downtown.  Jah Short, a true freshman in just his second collegiate game, posted a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.  Turk Vincent added 13 points and James Glisson 11.  Johnson also led New Orleans with 8 assists and 4 steals.

The competition gets much tougher next weekend as UNO travels to Chicago to take on the Loyola Ramblers in the first of a five-game road trip.