NWST takes 2 of 3 on Opening Weekend

Pearce Howard had
three hits on Friday

Opening Southland Conference play, the Privateer baseball team (13-9, 1-2) dropped two straight to Northwestern State over the weekend after walking off the Demons on Friday night.

In that Friday contest, UNO trailed 6-5 heading to the bottom of the ninth.  But with two runners on, Pearce Howard singled in the tying run, and then a wild throw off Anthony Herron, Jr.'s ground ball allowed the winning run to score.  Jack Williams' five innings of shutout relief were key.  Herron and Amani Larry homered for the home team.

On Saturday, a masterful complete game shutout by Northwestern State's Johnathan Harmon felled New Orleans, who mustered just four hits and scored just one unearned run. Brandon Mitchell had a quality start for UNO, but in vain as the Demons won 2-1.

On Sunday, the visitors broke open a 1-1 tie with a nine-run sixth and a five-run seventh, pummeling the UNO bullpen en route to a 16-10 victory.  Jeissy de la Cruz did bash three hits and a home run in the losing effort.

Privateers Bow Out at Portland

Playing in the first round of The Basketball Classic, the Privateers had a listless effort at Portland, falling 94-73 to bring an end to their season.

Troy Green, playing for UNO for the final time, turned in a solid 17-point effort on 6-of-9 shooting.  Derek St. Hilaire also had double digits with 14 but shot just 4-for-18, continuing his late year slump.

New Orleans finishes 18-14.

SLU Ends Privateers' Tournament Run

New Orleans' season ended in the Southand tournament semifinals in Katy, Texas; Southeastern Louisiana bested UNO 74-65.

Troy Green's stellar UNO career ended on a 24-point effort, which led the team.  Green also grabbed 12 rebounds, which also led the team.  Derek St. Hilaire's ended on a much weaker note, as he shot 4-for-20 and couldn't buy a bucket, repeatedly frustrated by SLU's Jalyn Hinton, who had seven blocks.

The Lions continue to the championship game tomorrow vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The Privateers finish 18-13.

UNO Rallies to Win in SLC Quarterfinals

Facing elimination against 11-21 McNeese in the second round of the Southland tournament, New Orleans (18-12) pulled it out of the fire, besting the Cowboys 82-78.

Trailing most of the second half and facing a 70-66 deficit with just minutes to play, UNO launched a game-deciding 11-0 run to secure a come-from-behind victory.

Troy Green led the effort with 21 points.  Derek St. Hilaire was largely neutralized but mustered 16 points.  Jahmel Myers continued his nice late-season run with another 10-point contribution.  Daniel Sackey also had 10.

The Privateers survive to face Southeastern Louisiana in the semifinals on Friday night.

Nicholls Claims SLC Regular Season Title

With the league regular season title on the line, Nicholls made every play they needed to and bested the visiting Privateers 92-85.

With a de facto showdown for Conference Player of the Year highlighting the game, Nicholls' Ty Gordon easily bested UNO's Derek St. Hilaire.  Gordon dominated with a season-high 36 points and seven three pointers, while St. Hilaire shot 6-for-21 en route to 26 points.  Nicholls shot 53% for the game, consistently solving the New Orleans defense.

St. Hilaire did lead UNO in points, and Troy Green added a gutty 21 to the effort.  Tyson Jackson had 15.

UNO played its way out of the double bye by losing three of its last four games, and will thus play in the SLC quarterfinals on Thursday against an opponent to be determined.

Green Leads Furious UNO Rally

New Orleans rallied from a huge second half deficit to survive Houston Baptist on the Lakefront, 75-74.

The Privateers had a rough first half, and it just got worse early in the second.  The Huskies extended their 10-point lead to a whopping 17 at 53-36 before Troy Green and UNO began its furious rally, finally overtaking HBU at 67-65.

With the Bucs up 75-71, the Huskies connected on one of their 12 three-pointers for the game, and after a stop, HBU stalwart Darius Lee took on Troy Green one-on-one for the game.  Green held his ground, forcing Lee to throw the ball away, and UNO's one-point win was preserved.

Green led New Orleans with a brilliant 28-point performance on 11-for-15 shooting.  Derek St. Hilaire had a rough night from the floor but still managed 16. Jahmel Myers had a solid performance off the bench with 12.

The regular season finale is on Saturday afternoon at Nicholls, with the conference title on the line.