The New Orleans Privateers women’s basketball team lost to the Lamar Cardinals 72-56 on Thursday night at Lakefront Arena. The game saw several lead changes in the first quarter, with New Orleans starting strong after Hailee Brennen scored off a turnover. Despite shooting 45.5 percent and making five of eleven field goals in the opening period, the Privateers trailed by one point at the end of the quarter.
The second quarter remained close, but New Orleans was unable to take the lead. A buzzer-beater jumper from Jacei Denley extended Lamar’s advantage to five points at halftime.
Lamar took control in the third quarter, outscoring New Orleans 20-8. Shaila Forman led this effort for Lamar, scoring 15 points in that period alone. The Privateers struggled offensively during these ten minutes, converting only three of nine attempts from the field and entering the final quarter down by 17 points.
New Orleans posted their highest scoring output in the fourth quarter with 22 points and shot 52 percent from the floor. However, Lamar matched them nearly point-for-point with 21 fourth-quarter points to secure their victory.
Forman ended as Lamar’s top scorer with 18 points and was one of three Cardinals players reaching double figures. Lamar forced a total of 25 turnovers and finished plus ten in turnover margin.
Jayla Kimbrough led New Orleans with team highs in both points (14) and rebounds (7). Shanihya Brown and Brialle Washington contributed nine points each. The Privateers held a slight edge on rebounds (39-37) and recorded a season-high six blocks as a team.
New Orleans will play Stephen F. Austin next on Saturday at 2 p.m.
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