NEW ORLEANS (Interstat) — Jeremy Elyzee scored 23 points and Southeastern Louisiana built a large early lead before holding off a furious second-half rally to defeat New Orleans 82-78 in a Southland Conference men’s basketball game Monday night at Kiefer Lakefront Arena.

The Lions led 40-32 at halftime and by as many as 14 before the Privateers charged back, outscoring Southeastern Louisiana 46-42 after the break. New Orleans guard Jakevion Buckley fueled the comeback attempt with 28 points and 13 assists. Coleton Benson added 21 points for the Privateers.

Isaiah Gaines scored 18 points for Southeastern Louisiana, which snapped a three-game skid. The Lions improved to 9-22 overall. New Orleans fell to 15-17. Attendance was 1,162.