New Orleans scrambles to beat Houston Baptist 64-57

Dec 31, 2017, 03:22 am

HOUSTON -- Bryson Robinson scored five of his seven points in the final minutes to give New Orleans enough of an advantage to hold off Houston Baptist 64-57 on Saturday night.

The teams swapped the lead throughout the second period until Robinson nailed a trey and followed with a layup for a 58-54 lead with 3:03 remaining. Scott Plaisance scooped Robinson's missed 3 off the board and tipped it in for a 60-57 lead with 1:27 left. Ezekiel Charles and Travin Thibodeaux made four free throws down the stretch to seal the win.

Thibodeaux led the Privateers (5-8, 2-0) with 18 points and 10 rebounds as they scrambled to take their second straight Southland Conference victory. They opened conference play by rallying to beat Abilene Christian 77-74 on Thursday.

Plaisance scored 10 points and Makur Puou added nine with eight rebounds for New Orleans.

Jalon Gates led Houston Baptist (4-11, 0-2) with 20 points.