The New Orleans Privateers men’s basketball team lost 99-57 to the Houston Cougars on Saturday at the Fertitta Center. MJ Thomas led the Privateers with 17 points and eight rebounds, making all eight of his free throw attempts.
Early in the game, New Orleans held Houston to just three field goals out of 12 attempts and trailed by four points after five minutes. However, Houston responded by hitting five consecutive shots, increasing their lead to 18 points. By halftime, the Privateers were behind 44-23.
Houston started the second half strongly with an 8-0 run. Joseph Tugler went to the free throw line four times during that stretch, while Chris Cenac Jr. scored eight points in the first eight minutes after halftime. The Cougars forced New Orleans into 12 turnovers in the first half.
Four Houston players—Chris Cenac Jr., Kingston Flemings, Chase McCarty, and Mercy Miller—each scored 15 points. The Cougars shot 54.2 percent from the field for the game. Milos Uzan contributed seven points and ten assists for Houston.
Mathok Majok added six points and three offensive rebounds for New Orleans. The team converted 19 of their 23 free throw attempts. Jakevion Buckley had seven rebounds and three assists, while Enzo Boudouma contributed eight points on three-of-six shooting from the field. Vieux Sanneh made his season debut for New Orleans, recording two points, a rebound, and a block in eight minutes of play.
After this game, New Orleans will take a break before playing against UTRGV on December 29.
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