The New Orleans Privateers women’s basketball team ended their week with a 68-57 loss to the HCU Huskies on Saturday at Sharp Gym in Houston. Despite three players reaching double figures, the Privateers could not overcome a strong defensive effort by HCU in the final quarter.
The first half remained close, with the Huskies taking their largest lead of seven points late in the second quarter. Shanihya Brown responded for New Orleans with a step back jumper, and the team forced a turnover to close out the half. At halftime, HCU led 31-26.
In the third quarter, New Orleans narrowed the gap slightly by outscoring HCU 17-16. Jayla Kimbrough and Lauren Banks contributed 11 combined points during this period, helping keep their team within four points entering the fourth quarter.
However, HCU pulled away in the last ten minutes by limiting New Orleans to just four made field goals and converting ten free throws. The Huskies’ lead grew to as much as 14 points late in the game.
Madison Hurta led all scorers with 17 points for HCU. Grace Booth added 12 points and six rebounds for the Huskies, who also recorded 21 fast break points during the contest.
Both teams forced 22 turnovers each. However, HCU held a slight edge in capitalizing on those opportunities with a 20-17 advantage in points off turnovers.
Brialle Washington paced New Orleans with 14 points. Banks and Kimbrough scored ten each; Kimbrough also grabbed eight rebounds to lead her team on the boards. Mariah Hart finished with seven points and five assists while Brown contributed six points and four assists.
The Privateers will next play against Stephen F. Austin on Thursday, Feb. 19.
