The New Orleans Privateers women’s basketball team overcame a 16-point deficit to secure a 64-63 win against the Southeastern Lady Lions on Thursday night at the University Center in Hammond, Louisiana.
The game saw New Orleans take the lead late after Shanihya Brown stole the ball and was fouled while driving to the basket. Brown then made two free throws, putting the Privateers ahead.
In the final moments, Mia Ramos of Southeastern missed a three-pointer, but Bethany Graves grabbed the rebound and was fouled. Graves missed both free throws. With 1.9 seconds left, Graves was fouled again but missed her first attempt before being attended to by a trainer. Ramos returned to take the second shot but also missed, allowing New Orleans to hold on for their first win in Hammond since 2019.
New Orleans turned around their performance after a slow start by outscoring Southeastern 24-9 in the third quarter. Jayla Kimbrough contributed 10 of her 14 points during this period as the team shot nearly 59 percent from the field.
Southeastern opened the fourth quarter with an eight-point run, but New Orleans responded with key shots that narrowed the gap. Jayla Owen hit two three-pointers, bringing them within one point with just over four minutes remaining.
The lead changed hands twice before Brown’s decisive free throws. Southeastern answered each time through five late points from Lihi Azouri.
Both teams struggled offensively early in the game, with each making only two or three of their first ten field goals. Southeastern finished the first quarter leading 17-12 and extended their advantage in the second quarter while holding New Orleans to just two field goals before halftime. At intermission, Southeastern led 34-18 behind Eryn McKinzie’s 16 points.
For New Orleans, Kimbrough ended with 14 points and nine rebounds; Lauren Banks added 11 points and eight rebounds; Brialle Washington scored 12 points; and Owen finished with nine points, four rebounds, and three assists. The Privateers shot 60 percent in the second half and converted 19 turnovers by Southeastern into 25 points.
The Privateers (1-13 overall, 1-5 conference) will next play at home against Nicholls on Saturday at 2 p.m.
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