The New Orleans Privateers women’s basketball team lost 72-63 to East Texas A&M on Saturday at Lakefront Arena. The game was closely contested in the first half, with the Lions holding a narrow 26-24 lead at halftime. Both teams struggled offensively, each shooting below 32 percent from the field during the opening 20 minutes.
The first half saw ten lead changes and four ties, with New Orleans leading by as many as five points after a second-chance basket by Sephora Kayolo early in the second quarter. In the third quarter, East Texas A&M gained momentum by reaching the bonus quickly and executing an 11-0 run, expanding their advantage to as much as 16 points with just over three minutes left in the period.
New Orleans tried to close the gap late in the third and into the fourth quarter, increasing defensive pressure and forcing turnovers. The Privateers had their highest-scoring period in the fourth with 21 points but were unable to overcome East Texas A&M, who shot more than 60 percent from the field in the second half.
Shanihya Brown nearly recorded a triple-double for New Orleans, finishing with 14 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Brialle Washington contributed 12 points and five rebounds while Kayolo added 11 points and four rebounds—her second double-digit scoring performance of the season.
For East Texas A&M, Nina Horvath led all scorers with 24 points. Tiani Ellison added a double-double of her own with 23 points and ten rebounds.
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The Privateers will play next against Southeastern on Thursday, Jan. 8.
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