New Orleans scrambles to beat Houston Baptist 64-57 (Dec 30, 2017)

HOUSTON (AP) 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.