The Privateers never trailed in any of the 40 minutes of an extremely tight 79-76 upset win over the top seed in the Southland tournament, Sam Houston State.Jorge Rosa led New Orleans with 18 points, hitting 7-for-7 field goals (including 4-for-4 from three), with only a missed free throw ruining his perfect night. Troy Green added 14 for the victors.
UNO never really had a large lead at any point; they took a small early lead, led 35-34 at the half, and generally maintained a marginal lead throughout the second stanza. The Bearkats simply couldn't quite overcome them.
The Privateers have one more hurdle standing between them and the second NCAA Tournament berth of Coach Mark Slessinger's tenure. Tomorrow at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN2, they will face either Abilene Christian or Southeastern Louisiana.
