New Orleans (5-10, 3-3), which went almost two years between victories at home, now has two in a row at Lakefront Arena. They established control early and, while they never quite pulled away, they were never really threatened until late, when a 12-0 Lions run cut a comfortable 69-54 lead down to three. It was a familiar scenario for a UNO team that has had trouble holding leads.
The Privateers, however, answered with a Jay Buckley jumper and an M.J. Thomas putback on its next two possessions to calm nerves and secure the win.
M.J. Thomas had 12 points, but the bigger story is his whopping 19 rebounds, which powered a decisive 16-rebound team edge for UNO. Coleton Benson used a 10-for-11 free throw barrage to lead the extremely balanced UNO attack with 17 points despite struggling from the field, and Enzo Boudouma added 11. Churchill Abass had 10. Buckley didn't start but came off the bench to dish 9 assists.
UNO stays at home on Saturday, when they will take on a Nicholls team that is currently 6-0 and in first place in the Southland Conference.
UNO VS. EAST TEXAS A&M PHOTO GALLERY
