Delaney hits 7 treys, leads Sam Houston St. over New Orleans

KATY, Texas -- Josh Delaney made a career-high seven 3-pointers and finished with a career-best 25 points to lead Sam Houston State to an 85-63 victory over New Orleans on Thursday night in the second round of the Southland Conference Tournament.

No. 4 seed Sam Houston State (19-13) will play top-seeded Southeastern Louisiana (21-10) in a Friday semifinal game. The Bearkats beat Southeastern Louisiana at home 75-65 on Jan. 24 in their only regular-season matchup.

Delaney was 7 of 12 from long range and made 4 of 5 free throws. John Dewey III added 14 points and five assists for Sam Houston State. The Bearkats had a 45-23 edge in rebounds and had 12 assists.

Ezekiel Charles had 12 points and Makur Puou 11 for No. 5 seed New Orleans (15-16).

Sam Houston State had a double-digit lead midway through the first half, built a 50-32 halftime advantage and cruised from there.