In an already-familiar script, New Orleans, playing without top big man Scott Plaisance, jumped all over the hometown Cardinals early, 26-12. A terrible stretch at the end of the half cost UNO most of that advantage, but an early second half surge reestablished the double digit lead before Lamar began to break them down and overtook them. With the Cardinals ahead 60-58, an Ezekiel Charles putback with 1.6 seconds left sent the game to an extra frame.
Charles led New Orleans with 22 points, including four threes, as the Privateers (7-7, 2-1) kept themselves in the game with an unusual weapon, some sharp outside shooting. Bryson Robinson added 18, and Gerrale Gates and Damion Rosser had 11 each.
The Privateers return home to face McNeese at 4:15ish on Saturday afternoon in a doubleheader with the women's team.
