The New Orleans Privateers women’s basketball team secured a 77-73 victory over the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) Cardinals on Thursday night at the McDermott Center in San Antonio. The win was clinched by Lauren Banks, who completed a three-point play with 24 seconds remaining after receiving a pass from Mariah Hart and drawing a foul from Jorja Elliott. Banks made the free throw to give New Orleans a two-point lead.
On UIW’s final possession, the Cardinals missed three field goals and two free throws. Brialle Washington collected the rebound after Brynn Lusby’s second missed free throw and was fouled. Washington then made both free throws to secure the win for New Orleans.
Despite trailing by two points at halftime, New Orleans shot 47 percent from the field compared to UIW’s 33 percent. However, UIW compensated by making six three-pointers in the first half versus one for New Orleans and had five more points from free throws in that period.
UIW extended their lead to nine early in the third quarter before New Orleans began to close the gap. Jayla Kimbrough tied the game at 50-50 with just over a minute left in the third quarter. On their first possession of the fourth quarter, Washington completed another three-point play to put New Orleans ahead—a lead they maintained for most of the remainder of the contest.
The Privateers’ bench contributed significantly, outscoring UIW’s bench 48-18, and held a 48-28 advantage on points scored in the paint.
For UIW, Jorja Elliott led all scorers with 29 points while Madison Cockrell added 10.
“Four Privateers scored in double figures led by Washington’s 17 points. Hart finished with a career-high 15 points. Banks added 11 points and seven rebounds. Kimbrough scored 10 points. Hailee Brennen added eight points.”
The Privateers will next play Houston Christian University (HCU) on Saturday at 1 p.m.
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