cbho
LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) -- Tiras Wade scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Louisiana-Lafayette to an 80-68 win over New Orleans on Saturday.
ULL (15-8, 9-2 Sun Belt Conference)used timely 3-point shooting and a stingy defense in the second half to break open a two-point game. It was Louisiana-Lafayette's eighth straight home win over New Orleans.
Louisiana-Lafayette led 36-31 at the halftime.
In the second half, the two teams traded scores until about 12 minutes left when Jamie McNeilly's jumper pulled the Privateers to within two, 51-49.
But Wade then hit the first of two critical 3-pointers for Louisiana-Lafayette over the next three minutes.
The Privateers (11-13, 6-5) were led by Bo McCalebb's 23 points.
All five of Louisiana-Lafayette's starters reached double figures scoring.
