Memphis Overpowers UNO

Guard Troy Green

In the final nonconference game of the regular season, host Memphis took a huge lead early and coasted to a 97-55 win over New Orleans (4-8) on Saturday afternoon.

With its fans distracted by the Memphis football team's game in the Cotton Bowl, occurring simultaneously, the basketball team made quick work of the Privateers, opening a 17-3 lead and never trailing.

Troy Green led outmanned UNO's offensive attack with 22 points, and Bryson Robinson added 15.  New Orleans shot 3-for-17 from beyond the arc and committed a whopping 28 turnovers, though they forced 27 Tiger turnovers as well.

The Privateers will return to Lakefront Arena for two conference games next week, starting with Lamar on Thursday night.

Privateers Fall to 0-2 in SLC

UNO guard Troy Green

For the second game in a row, the Privateers (4-7, 0-2) fell behind double digits in the second half, then couldn't quite complete the rally, falling 87-79 at Sam Houston in Southland Conference play on Saturday afternoon.

The lead changed hands a few times in the first half as both UNO and SHSU had scoring spurts, but the Bearkats led 49-41 at the half and continued to score mostly at will until the last few minutes, opening the lead to as large as 23.  A late Privateer rally pulled the game as tight as six points, but no closer.  Sam Houston shot 52% for the game, including 11-for-24 from three-point range.

The New Orleans backcourt of Bryson Robinson and Troy Green kept UNO competitive, with Robinson posting 24 points and Green 20.  Green added 6 rebounds and 3 assists, tying for the team lead in those categories.

The Privateers will take a week off and then head to Memphis for a nonconference matchup against Penny Hardaway's Tigers on ESPN2 next Saturday.

UNO Rally Falls Short in Opener

Gerrale Gates
goes up in traffic

The preseason Southland favorite Privateers (4-6, 0-1) got a cold dose of reality in Wednesday night's conference opener at Lakefront Arena, falling to last year's champ, Abilene Christian, by a 77-71 score.

At times the contest resembled the beating UNO took in last year's title game, with the Wildcats opening a 60-46 lead after a dominant stretch of the second half.  But New Orleans rallied with 10 in a row to get back in it and fought closely down the stretch, ultimately being done in by its sloppiness, failure to get key stops, and inability to finish around the rim.

Troy Green led the Bucs with 19 points, and Jaylen Key added 16 before fouling out with just over four minutes left.  Ahren Freeman had 14 on 6-for-6 shooting to give a much-needed spark over the last 10 minutes.

The game was a turnover fest, with each team committing a whopping 22.

The Privateers next travel to Sam Houston State on Saturday.

UNO Blasts Williams Baptist Again

The annual UNO rout of Williams Baptist on Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is in the books, with a final score of 103-59 at Lakefront Arena.

This odd recent Privateer tradition continued on Saturday evening after a slow start in which the home team trailed 13-9 before ripping off an 8-0 run to take the lead for good.  The halftime margin was 50-30, and Ahren Freeman's basket late in the game put New Orleans over the century mark for the third time this season.

Bryson Robinson led the way in scoring with 22 points.  Gerrale Gates added 19 to go along with 7 rebounds.  Freeman had 17, and Troy Green 15.  Lamont Berzat, starting in place of the injured Damion Rosser, did not score but dished 7 assists to lead the club.

Though one more non-conference game at Memphis looms on December 28, the conference season will start this coming week with a rematch of the Southland Conference title game taking place at Lakefront Arena on Wednesday night against Abilene Christian.

Strong Start, Miserable Finish at LSU

G Bryson Robinson

The Privateers, who led for much of the first half, fell apart in the second and were blown out in Baton Rouge by LSU, 90-54.

New Orleans, which led 26-20 deep into the first half, surrendered an 18-4 run and trailed 38-30 at the break.  After a decent start out of the locker room, the Privateers completely collapsed over the last 10 minutes.

Bryson Robinson and Jaylen Key were among the few bright spots, as Robinson led UNO in scoring with 18, and Key had another solid effort building on this past weekend.  He scored 13 to go with 7 rebounds.

The Privateers will break for finals and return to the court at Lakefront Arena on December 14 for their annual slaughter of Williams Baptist.

UNO Cruises Past Xavier

Playing its second game in as many days, New Orleans (3-4) cruised past the NAIA Xavier Gold Rush on Saturday, 79-62.

Facing a sterner test than Eureka provided on Friday, it was still a comfortable victory in which UNO put forth another balanced attack.  Jaylen Key continued his outstanding weekend with a 17-point effort to go along with 6 rebounds.  Bryson Robinson and freshman Ahren Freeman added 14 apiece.

The Privateers head to Baton Rouge for a Tuesday night contest against LSU.

Eureka! Losing Streak Over

Jaylen Key throws down
a second-half dunk

The Privateers (2-4) ended their four-game losing streak with a slaughter over hopelessly overmatched Eureka College at Lakefront Arena by a score of 125-60.

New Orleans struggled early, appearing sluggish out of the gate and actually trailing 12-10 before getting in gear.  UNO led 55-35 at the half and unloaded on the hapless visitors after the break.

The Bucs had an extremely balanced offensive attack led by Charles Bohannon's career high 18 points.  Jaylen Key achieved his first Privateer double double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.  He and Bohannon were joined by many others in double digits, chiefly Gerrale Gates who also had 15, as well as Damion Rosser and Ahren Freeman with 14.  Rodney Carson had 13 and Bryson Robinson 11.

UNO returns to the Lakefront Arena court Saturday on the back end of a back-to-back, taking on the Gold Rush of Xavier at 6 p.m.

Privateers Drop Close One at Hawaii

Sophomore Gerrale Gates

It was a feast or famine defensive effort for New Orleans, and unfortunately for them, in the second half, it was more the latter as the Privateers fell 79-71 at Hawaii.

UNO forced 14 turnovers in the first half, but poor shooting kept them a little bit behind, trailing 31-29 at the break.  In the second half, the turnovers dried up a bit, with the Rainbow Warriors getting more shots and making most of them.  Hawaii shot 55% for the game.

Gerrale Gates had a very strong outing, notching 14 points to go along with 10 rebounds.  Bryson Robinson led the Privateer scoring with 17 points, and Damion Rosser and Troy Green added 13 each.

New Orleans finally returns home for a noon Black Friday contest against Eureka College.

Snake Eyes in Starkvegas

G Bryson Robinson

After a promising start, the Privateers (1-3) took their third straight loss on this road trip, falling in an 82-59 rout to Mississippi State in Starkville.

New Orleans fought the Bulldogs to a 19-19 tie early, but an 11-2 State run gave them control of the game, which they never relinquished.  A 10-point halftime deficit turned ugly in the second half, with UNO falling behind by as many as 28.

Bryson Robinson and Troy Green each had 14 to lead a fairly anemic offensive attack.  The Privateers shot just 38% from the field, 2-of-11 on threes, and were dominated 45-27 on the boards.

After a week off, UNO takes its road show to Hawaii on November 24 for the final game of the trip.

Mustangs Slam Privateers

Guard Troy Green

New Orleans fought hard, and even led for a solid portion of the first half, but was ultimately outgunned by the AAC's SMU Mustangs on Tuesday night, 77-64.

The Privateers (1-2), playing the second game a four-game road trip, got out to an early 14-5 lead at Moody Coliseum, and led as late as 26-25 on a Troy Green layup at around the five-minute mark of the first half.  But SMU ripped off 10 points in a row and led 39-33 at the half.

The host Mustangs established control in the second half, breaking down the UNO defense en route to a quick double-digit lead.  The Bucs fought back to a six-point deficit, but an SMU run highlighted by an absolute massacre of a dunk from Feron Hunt put the underdogs away.

The Privateers were hampered by miserable three-point shooting as a team (4-for-24), but Green had a nice night to lead the effort with 20 points to go along with 7 boards.  Gerrale Gates and Damion Rosser had 9 rebounds each.

UNO next heads to Mississippi State for a Sunday afternoon contest.

Butler Schools UNO

G Damion Rosser

After a resounding season opening win, the Privateers (1-1) got punched in the mouth by a Big East opponent, falling 79-53 at Butler.

New Orleans fell behind 23-5 before people even settled into their seats, and despite showing some promising flashes, allowed too many easy opportunities, surrendering 13 layups and 9-of-19 three-point shooting to Butler.

Juniors Damion Rosser and Troy Green led the way for UNO, notching 13 and 12 points respectively.  Last year's Southland Conference freshman of the year Gerrale Gates had 7 rebounds.

Next up on UNO's killer pre-conference schedule is an ESPN3 matchup at SMU on Tuesday night.

Privateers Romp on Opening Night

Amari Haynes throws down
a dunk in the second half

On opening night and homecoming night, the Privateers (1-0) opened the 2019-20 campaign with an easy 114-58 rout over Spring Hill.

Preseason All-Southland selection Bryson Robinson led a balanced New Orleans attack with 22 points, while junior Damion Rosser and sophomore Amari Haynes added 14.  Jahmel Myers and Gerrale Gates had 13 each, and Gates led the way with 7 boards.  Junior Lamont Berzat had a whopping 11 assists.  Freshman Ahren Freeman impressed with 13 of his own in his debut.

The Privateers shot 63% from the floor as a team.

On the downside, Northern Illinois transfer Jaylen Key left the court with an apparent injury after playing just one minute.

UNO, which led 52-29 at the half, did not trail once.

PI Podcast #28: The Top 50, Spots 1-20

Following up on our podcast relaunch three weeks ago, we continue our discussion of UNO's Top 50 men's basketball players of all time, counting down from number 20 all the way to the top of the list.  The nostalgia is especially heavy in this one, as we gear up for a new season of Privateer basketball beginning on Tuesday night at Lakefront Arena.

To listen, get the direct download here.

Sless and Mid-Major Madness: A Story in Tweets

The news came down yesterday that, according to KenPom, the Privateers own the most difficult non-conference schedule in the country.  With trips to Butler, LSU, and Memphis in the offing amongst others, Coach Mark Slessinger has a lot on his plate -- but not so much that he couldn't take the time to send a boatload of GIFs in story form to Mid-Major Madness' Twitter account.

New Orleans Fears No One, and Mark Slessinger is Going to Tweet Reaction GIFs at Us Until We Know That

PI Podcast #27: The First 30 of the Top 50

In this relaunch of the Privateer Island podcast, we start gearing up for the upcoming basketball season with a discussion of the list (to date) of the top 50 Privateer men's basketball players of all-time, leading up to the tipoff of the 2019-20 basketball season.

We also touch on new Green Wave coach Ron Hunter's bizarre declaration that Tulane (TULANE!) is anyone's "big brother," let alone ours, in a blatant ploy to fire up the rivalry again.  Okay, maybe it kinda worked.

To listen, get the direct download here.

UNO Falls in the CIT

Bryson Robinson

For the second straight game, the Privateer defense was subpar, and it resulted in UNO's elimination from the CIT in the first round at Lakefront Arena at the hands of Texas Southern in overtime, 95-89.

New Orleans (19-14) was hampered as well by poor shooting, as TSU left Privateers open from beyond the arc all night, but UNO was unable to convert on very many, shooting an abysmal 7-for-33 from three-point territory.  On the other end, TSU kept up what Abilene Christian started last Saturday, piling up another 48 points in the paint on the evening.

The Privateers trailed most of the evening but did edge ahead at a few points late in the second half, going ahead 81-80 on an Amari Haynes layup.  But TSU tied it with a free throw, and Troy Green missed a baseline fallaway that would've won it at the buzzer.

Bryson Robinson led UNO with 20 points, and Jahmel Myers added 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Privateers Fall Short of NCAA Bid

The Privateers' tremendous run at the Southland tournament in Katy ended with a 77-60 defeat in the championship game to Abilene Christian.

New Orleans appeared tired and its defense looked a step slow, showing none of its trademark quickness and unable to stop ACU's penetration.  The Wildcats, who achieved their first Division I NCAA Tournament birth in school history, scored 48 of their 77 points in the paint.  ACU made 56% of its shots overall.

Bryson Robinson tried to keep UNO in the game with his long distance shooting, leading the way with 14 points, 4-for-8 beyond the arc.  Scott Plaisance added 13.  But the Privateers couldn't get any offensive rhythm going, committing 20 turnovers.

UNO will host a CIT Tournament game this week, with time and opponent to be determined.

UNO Goes Wire to Wire, beats SH

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.

UNO Eliminates Red-Hot Lamar

Bryson Robinson

Playing its first game in the Southland tournament in Katy, Texas, New Orleans rallied late to end Lamar's nine-game winning streak, prevailing 76-72.

The Privateers shot uncharacteristically well from downtown (8-for-15) to offset a tremendous performance by Lamar's Nick Garth, who had 28 points, draining shots from all angles throughout the night.  Bryson Robinson, who led the Privateers with 17 points, drilled a long three with the shot clock winding down to put UNO ahead 74-72 with 22 seconds left.  The Bucs subsequently held on defense and won going away.

UNO led in the first half by as many as 14, but Lamar finished on a 12-0 run to close to within 2 at the break.  The second half was a back-and-forth affair that was finally decided by Robinson's shot.

Senior Scott Plaisance added 16 for New Orleans, and Jorge Rosa had 13.

The Privateers advance to face Sam Houston State at the same time tomorrow (5 p.m.) in Katy.

Privateers Rip Ragin' Cajuns

SS Darren Willis

Coming off a disappointing first conference weekend, New Orleans (10-5) jumped all over Louisiana-Lafayette early, scoring four in the first and opening a 9-1 lead after three innings on the way to a 10-3 victory at Tigue Moore Field.

Darren Willis led the UNO hit parade with a 3-for-4 night, and a host of other Privateers added two hits each.  Starter Bailey Holstein plus four relievers held the Cajuns down, easily making the 10-run, 12-hit attack hold up.

Nicholls Wins Sunday, Takes 2 of 3

Sunday:  On the strength of two three-run innings, Nicholls took a big lead and coasted to victory on Sunday against UNO, 9-1.  The Privateers scored just six runs in the three-game series.

Saturday:  After again rallying from a 2-0 deficit to tie the score at 2 in the seventh inning, UNO fell behind again when Nicholls' Brady Bell hit a sacrifice fly off UNO reliever John Barr in the bottom of the eighth to provide Nicholls' winning 3-2 margin.

Friday:  In the Southland Conference opener, New Orleans (9-3, 1-0) was no-hit for 8 1/3 innings before mounting a three-run rally in Thibodaux to top Nicholls, 3-2.

The Colonels' Trever Kilcrease was two outs away from a no-hitter when the Privateers' Colin Morrill hit an RBI single to score Salo Iza (who had walked).  Then, after a Pearce Howard ground rule double, an intentional walk, and a groundout, Tresten Kennard's clutch two-out single plated two runs and put the Privateers ahead.  Reeves Martin closed out the ninth in relief, striking out the side to nail down the win.

Privateers Whip Nicholls

Plaisance led the way with
19 points vs. Nicholls

Avenging an earlier loss to Nicholls, the Privateers (17-11, 12-5) went to Thibodaux, weathered a rally, and bested the Colonels 80-70.

UNO, which led 35-28 at the half and extended it to double digits early after the break, fell behind with just minutes to play before ripping off a decisive 11-0 run down the stretch to put Nicholls away.  The win keeps New Orleans in third place in the Southland Conference race, enabling them to keep pace with everyone they are competing with for tournament byes, as Abilene Christian, Southeastern Louisiana, and Lamar also won.

Scott Plaisance led the Privateer attack with 19 points, while Troy Green's 13 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists contributed mightily to the victory.  Jorge Rosa had 14, including four threes, and Bryson Robinson added 13.

New Orleans heads to Hammond for the final regular season game on Wednesday against Southeastern Louisiana in a game with huge tournament bye implications.

SHSU Whips UNO

Bryson Robinson is
blanketed on a 3-pt attempt

In a game that was never really in doubt, Sam Houston State showed why they are the top team in the Southland Conference, blasting New Orleans 71-60 in Lakefront Arena.

The game featured the #1 and #2 teams in the league, but it appeared there was a fairly healthy gap between the two.  The Bearkats, who have already clinched the #1 seed, looked like they were the ones that had more to play for, jumping to an early lead and holding the rest of the way, expanding it to as much as 15 in the second half.

The Privateers were beaten soundly on the boards, losing that battle 39-27, including giving up 17 offensive rebounds.  In addition, they surrendered 12-for-26 shooting from deep.

Bryson Robinson led UNO with 15 points, and Gerrale Gates and Scott Plaisance added 12 each

New Orleans will hit the road for two critical games to end the regular season, first heading to Nicholls on Saturday.

UNO Beats Nationally Ranked USM

UNO catcher Beau Bratton

The Privateer baseball team stepped up in class on Tuesday evening and answered the call, defeating #23 Southern Miss in Hattiesburg, 2-1, for its sixth straight win.

New Orleans (6-1) got all the runs it needed in the top of the third.  Beau Bratton knocked one in with a single, and then Luther Woullard doubled in the second run.  The UNO pitching staff made it hold up, with eight pitchers combining to surrender just six hits and one run.

The Privateers return home to Maestri Field this weekend for a three-game series against Yale.

UNO Edges Butler on Sunday

Sunday:  New Orleans won a pitching duel on Sunday afternoon in the final game of the Sugar Bowl Baseball Classic at Maestri Field, knocking off Butler 2-1 on a walkoff wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth.

Pitching carried the day for UNO (5-1), with starter Steven Swift and relievers Chris DeMayo, Mathew Oset, and Reeves Martin combining to surrender just one run.

Saturday: On Saturday in the second game of the Sugar Bowl Baseball Classic at Maestri Field, UNO used a 13-hit attack to cruise past Rutgers, 7-2.

Chris Turpin, as he did last Saturday, went 6 innings for the victory.  He surrendered two unearned runs but has yet to allow an earned run in 12 innings.  Meanwhile, Collin Morrill drilled his first homer of the season to lead the New Orleans offensive attack, going 3-for-4 with 3 RBI.  Gaige Howard, Antonio Gauthier, Darren Willis, Beau Bratton, and Luther Woullard had two hits apiece.

Woullard had seven hits
over the weekend for UNO

Friday: The Privateers began the weekend's Sugar Bowl Baseball Classic with a 16-8 comeback victory over Chicago State at Maestri Field

For the second Friday in a row, Mathew Oset pitched multiple shutdown innings in relief to give UNO a chance at a rally, but unlike last week against Michigan State, the home team capitalized with two big innings and won going away.

Pearce Howard continued his torrid start to 2019 with another three-hit, three RBI day, but newcomer junior Luther Woullard led the team with a 4-for-6 performance with three RBI of his own.

In the other game, Rutgers, UNO's Saturday opponent, beat Butler 3-2.

Defense Carries The Day in Win at McNeese

Jahmel Myers

Trailing 33-24 at the half, the Privateers (16-10, 11-4) absolutely snuffed out the McNeese attack down the stretch and won going away in Lake Charles, 60-51.

UNO surrendered just 18 second half points.  The Bucs trailed 47-39 at the 9:20 mark but outscored the homestanding Cowboys an incredible 21-4 the rest of the way.

Bryson Robinson had 13 points and 4 assists, and Jahmel Myers also had 13 off the bench.  Troy Green added 10.

New Orleans heads home for its final outing at Lakefront Arena on the 2018-19 schedule, taking on Southland leader Sam Houston State in a game that has been added to the ESPN3 schedule.

Privateers Bomb Southeastern

Bryson Robinson

With leading scorer Ezekiel Charles out for the season, the Privateers found other ways to score from long distance, draining 14 three-pointers in Wednesday night's 89-68 blowout over Southeastern Louisiana at Lakefront Arena.

Improbably, UNO (15-10, 10-4) shot 14-for-23 from deep in the lopsided victory, and 60% from the field overall.  Leading 44-31 at the half, they scored the first seven points of the second half to send the message that this game wasn't going to tighten up, and it quickly became a runaway.

Bryson Robinson led the way with 23 points and five threes, and Jorge Rosa added 18 on six threes.  Even Scott Plaisance drilled one and added 15 points overall.

UNO will head to McNeese on Saturday afternoon for its next game.

UNO Wins 2 of 3 From Michigan State

Jr RHP Chris Turpin pitched six
scoreless innings on Saturday

Sunday: UNO used five pitchers, starting with returnee Brayson Smith, to get through the Spartans on Sunday afternoon, winning the three-game series with a 6-4 decision at Maestri Field.

For the second straight day, the Privateers closed the game with relievers John Barr and Reeves Martin, with Barr getting credited with the win and Martin the save.

Pearce Howard again led the offensive effort with a three-hit day, going 3-for-4 with 2 RBI.

Saturday: Behind a stellar college debut from pitcher Chris Turpin, the Privateers evened their three-game season opening series against Michigan State with a 4-1 win.

Turpin threw six innings of shutout ball, surrendering just five hits and rare solid contact.  Returning relief ace John Barr struggled but got through two innings, and Reeves Martin pitched the ninth for the save.

Pearce Howard led the offensive attack for New Orleans with two hits, two walks, and an RBI.

Friday: It was a rough 2019 opener for the New Orleans Privateers baseball team, as they fell 8-4 to Michigan State at Maestri Field on Friday night.

In the first of a three-game set, the Spartans jumped on UNO freshman hurler Steven Swift for five early runs, three earned.  Then, junior Bailey Holstein surrendered two more and the Bucs were down 7-1 in the fourth.  One of the night's few bright spots was returning reliever Mathew Oset, who pitched four scoreless innings to keep UNO in the game, but the Privateers ultimately fell short.

Offensively, junior newcomer Salo Iza, playing second base, drilled the first homer of the season for New Orleans in the fifth.  Returning senior Collin Morrill led the team with two hits.

The Privateers and Spartans will play game two of the series tomorrow at Maestri Field at 1 p.m.

UNO Focuses, Fights Off TAMU-CC

Gerrale Gates beats the shot clock
buzzer with a three in the 2nd half

After a week to stew over a dumb home loss to Nicholls, the Privateers (14-10, 9-4) took out their frustration on Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, winning a chippy 68-58 game at Lakefront Arena Saturday afternoon.

Playing without leading scorer Ezekiel Charles, New Orleans got just enough offense to go with a tenacious defensive effort on the perimeter to avenge their earlier loss to the Islanders this season.  After surrendering 12 three-pointers to Nicholls last week, TAMU-CC could muster just a 2-for-14 effort against UNO.

The game got testy, and too close for comfort, after a Damion Rosser flagrant foul and ejection led to the score tightening late, but UNO held on.

Troy Green picked up some of the slack for Charles on the perimeter, scoring 13 points. Gerrale Gates led the way with 14, including several key free throws late.  Jahmel Myers added 9 points and 8 rebounds.

The Privateers will stay home and take on red-hot Southeastern Louisiana this Wednesday night on the lakefront.

Nicholls Shoots Down UNO

Bryson Robinson
drives to the goal

On a strange homecoming afternoon, Nicholls overrode an otherwise stifling UNO defense with 12 three pointers en route to a 64-63 squeaker over the Privateers on Homecoming day.

After Nicholls took a 32-25 advantage to the locker room, the second half was a back-and-forth tussle.  Trailing 61-60 with under a minute left, New Orleans went back ahead on a Scott Plaisance followup. Then, the Colonels missed a jumper with 16 seconds left, and Damion Rosser rebounded and hit one of two free throws.  But Nicholls' Danny Garrick, who the Privateers bizarrely refused to guard all afternoon, hit his fourth three to win it.

Plaisance and Gerrale Gates each had 15 to lead the effort for the Bucs.

New Orleans gets a week off before taking Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at Lakefront Arena next Saturday.

UNO Survives NWST For Season Sweep

Sr G Ezekiel Charles

After building another double-digit second half lead and then falling behind, New Orleans (13-9, 8-3) scored a key road win at Northwestern State, 81-73 in overtime, on Wednesday night.

Though they trailed much of the first half, the Privateers snuck ahead by the break and expanded their lead as high as 52-42.  But the Demons switched up their defense, forced some turnovers and rode a hot streak to the lead.  The teams proceeded to go back and forth until a buzzer beating jumper from Ishmael Lane sent the game to overtime.

Ezekiel Charles had a huge effort for UNO, notching 31 points, including several key buckets in overtime, to lead the team.  Charles also had 5 steals.  Scott Plaisance and Damion Rosser each added 14 points.

New Orleans withstood a phenomenal effort from the Demons' Lane, who almost had a triple double and finished with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 blocks.

UNO returns home to Lakefront Arena for a Saturday homecoming game against Nicholls, which will begin at 4:15ish after the women's game.

Privateers Finish Sweep of UIW

Freshman Gerrale Gates

They had to fight off a second half Incarnate Word rally, but it ended up being a comfortable 89-72 victory for New Orleans on Saturday afternoon at Lakefront Arena.

A 40-29 Privateer halftime advantage disappeared quickly, and UIW actually surged ahead briefly at 48-47 with a flurry of threes before a Scott Plaisance bucket put UNO (12-9, 7-3) up for good.  The Privateers took control from that point on.

Bryson Robinson was held down, but Gerrale Gates picked up the slack to lead New Orleans in scoring with 18.  Ezekiel Charles added 17 plus 9 rebounds.  Damion Rosser added 10 along with 8 assists, and Troy Green also had 10 points.

The Privateers next travel to Northwestern State on Wednesday for a rematch with the Demons, who they defeated 72-64 at Lakefront Arena this past week.

Privateers Rally Past Demons

Bryson Robinson had
another 17 for UNO

The Privateers broke open a back-and-forth game late in the second half, using a 12-0 surge to take control before holding off a late Northwestern State rally to win 72-64 at Lakefront Arena on Wednesday.

The Bucs and the Demons traded leads several times, and with 7:23 left, the visitors took a 53-52 lead.  By the final media timeout, though, New Orleans had gone ahead 64-53.  The Demons had an answer, cutting the lead back down to 64-62 with under a minute left before a critical Gerrale Gates three-point play stopped the run.

Bryson Robinson continued his hot shooting, draining another five threes en route to a 17-point night. Zeke Charles still struggled with his shot but also managed 17, and Damion Rosser had 13.

UNO will stay home and take on Incarnate Word on Saturday afternoon after the women's game.  They just beat the Cardinals 61-52 last Saturday in San Antonio.

Privateers Clamp Down, Rally at UIW

Bryson Robinson

In a role reversal, it was the Privateers (10-9, 4-3) rallying from a double-digit second half deficit, ultimately overtaking Incarnate Word, 61-52, in San Antonio on Saturday afternoon.

New Orleans, which trailed most of the first half and faced a 40-28 deficit early in the second, imposed their will for the rest of the day, allowing just 12 points over the final 15 minutes to give themselves a chance to salvage the third game of this three-game road trip.

Bryson Robinson, who tied a school record on Wednesday at Central Arkansas with nine three-pointers, connected on another five against UIW, leading the way with 19 points.  Damion Rosser added 11 and Zeke Charles 10 for the winners.

UNO returns to friendly ground on Wednesday evening with a home game against Northwestern State at Lakefront Arena.

UNO Gets Behind Early, Falls at UCA

Jr G Bryson Robinson

Host Central Arkansas jumped to early 8-0 and 17-6 leads, then held on for the rest of the night in a 76-71 victory over New Orleans on Wednesday night.

The Privateers (9-9, 4-3) did tie UCA once, at 34, towards the end of the first half, but UCA scored four straight before the break, then reestablished control for good out of the locker room.  UNO has lost its second straight game after winning four in a row.

Bryson Robinson kept the Bucs in the game, scoring 28 and draining nine three pointers, tying a school record, and including a late flurry to make the final score close.  But UNO's offensive output outside of Robinson and Troy Green, who had 13, was shaky, and they shot just 37% as a team against a less than intimidating Bears defense.  Privateer leading scorer Ezekiel Charles was held to just 1 point, though he led the team in rebounds with 9.

New Orleans will try to salvage the final game of the three-game road trip at Incarnate Word on Saturday.

TAMU-CC Ends UNO Winning Streak

Ezekiel Charles

Going for their fifth win in a row, the Privateers (9-8, 4-2) were stoned by a very stingy Texas A&M-Corpus Christi defense, falling 76-61 to the Islanders on the road Saturday evening.

New Orleans jumped out to an early 12-5 but then surrendered 14 points in a row, creating a deficit from which they would never recover.  They did pull within three at 31-28 at the half after a flurry of steals and transition scores, but TAMU-CC opened the second frame on a 6-0 run to reestablish control.  The Islanders shot 54% from the field.

Ezekiel Charles led the way for UNO with 13, and Damion Rosser was the only other Privateer in double digits with 12.

UNO will continue its road trip on Wednesday night at Central Arkansas.

UNO Rallies to Beat SFA

Guard Troy Green

Tied 61-61 with under two minutes left, the Privateers (9-7, 4-1) got two free throws and a layup from freshman Gerrale Gates to help surge to the last seven points of the game and a 68-61 win over Stephen F. Austin.

UNO was blitzed early, trailing 15-2 and 17-4 before rallying strong to a 29-28 halftime lead.  SFA had 13 first half turnovers and 22 for the game, helping UNO to overcome a 40-30 rebounding deficit.

Troy Green had an inspired performance to lead New Orleans with 15 points.  Ezekiel Charles added 12 and Gates 11 for the victors.  UNO shot well from three-point range, nailing 8-for-18 as a team.

The Privateers' next contest will be on Saturday at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at 5 p.m. on ESPN3.

Privateers Cruise Over McNeese

Freshman
Jahmel Myers

Finally, the Privateers (8-7, 3-1) were able to open a double-digit second half lead and hang on, scoring an emphatic 79-66 victory over McNeese State Saturday afternoon at Lakefront Arena.

The first half was sluggish on both sides, but Bryson Robinson banked in a three at the buzzer to send UNO to the locker room up 30-25. New Orleans forced a slew of second half turnovers, expanding the lead and hanging on through a brief Cowboys rally to win comfortably.

Robinson led all Privateers with 17 points. Damion Rosser added 15, and Jahmel Myers had another strong effort with 13.

UNO will stay home for its next game, getting conference heavyweight Stephen F. Austin on the lakefront on Wednesday night.

UNO Gets Second Straight OT Win

For the second consecutive game, the Privateers let a double-digit lead slip away, but salvaged a hard-fought win in overtime, this time 78-71 at Lamar.

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.

Privateers Snag Seesaw Game in OT

Sr G Ezekiel Charles

After leading by as many as 17 points in the first half and 36-21 at the break, the Privateers (6-7, 1-1) held off a Houston Baptist rally that forced overtime, ultimately winning 81-76 on Saturday afternoon.

Though HBU cut the UNO lead to single digits, the Bucs extended it back to 12 and appeared to have things in control as the game headed down the stretch.  But HBU ripped off a 15-2 run to take the lead, culminating in an Oliver Lynch-Daniels three to make it 58-57.  Ezekiel Charles answered with a three for UNO, but two HBU free throws put the game into overtime, where the Privateers finally edged ahead for good.

Charles posted his first career double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds.  Bryson Robinson added 14 along with 6 assists.  Three other Bucs had 10.

New Orleans will hit the road on Wednesday for a contest at Lamar on ESPN+.

Game Slips Away at Abilene

Scott Plaisance

Opening conference play, the Privateers led a double-digit second half lead get away in a 68-58 defeat at Abilene Christian.

New Orleans (5-7, 0-1), which roared to an 18-4 lead, kept its lead through halftime and well into the second half, going up 42-31 with roughly 14 minutes to play.  But by the 7-minute mark, they trailed by 11, enduring a Bryson Robinson ejection and a blitz of nine field goals in a row converted by ACU, completely turning the night around.

Scott Plaisance kept UNO in it all night, providing an inside presence and 18 points, a career high, to go along with 7 rebounds.  Ezekiel Charles had 14.  Damion Rosser provided a workmanlike effort, not scoring much but leading the team with 8 rebounds.

UNO will play its home conference opener this Saturday afternoon at Lakefront Arena.  Tip time is 2 p.m.