New Orleans fights off Lamar for 72-67 victory

Published Jan. 5, 2015 11:54 p.m. ET

foxsports

NEW ORLEANS (AP) Nate Frye and Christavious Gill had 14 points apiece as New Orleans fought off a determined Lamar to open Southland Conference play with a 72-67 win on Monday night.

Kevin Hill contributed 13 points and pulled down 14 rebounds for New Orleans (5-5, 1-0).

The Privateers had a 28-18 halftime lead, but Lamar opened the second half with a 14-3 run to take the lead 32-31 when Anthony Holliday drove for a layup with 16:07 left. The teams battled for the lead throughout the final period until Gill made three straight free throws in the final 17 seconds to seal the victory.

New Orleans won the rebound battle 44 to 30. Both teams made 23 field goals but the Privateers were 21 of 31 from the foul line. Lamar made 16 of 24 foul shots.

Tyran de Lattibeaudiere had 17 and Anthony Holliday added 15 for Lamar (7-7, 1-1).