NEW ORLEANS (AP) Erik Thomas scored 18 points and made 10 of 11 free throws and New Orleans never trailed in beating cross-town rival Tulane 74-59 on Tuesday night.

New Orleans led 34-17 at halftime, stayed ahead 50-32 in the second half on Freshman Travin Thibodeaux's dunk, and then pulled away 66-39 after a 12-2 run capped by Thomas' free throw with 5:59 to go.

The Green Wave outscored New Orleans 7-3 in the final 2:29 and 42-40 in the second half, but made only 24 of 66 from the floor (36.4 percent).

New Orleans outrebounded Tulane 41-27 and shot 47.8 percent from the floor (22 of 46), but turned the ball over 22 times.

Thibodeaux scored 14 points, grabbed eight rebounds and made five assists for the Privateers (3-3). Christavious Gill scored 14 points and tied his career best with five steals. Michael Zeno added 11 points.

Malik Morgan led Tulane (1-6) with 17 points.

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