Sykes’ free throw lifts Louisiana-Monroe past New Orleans 48-47

Louisiana-Monroe defeats New Orleans 48-47

NEW ORLEANS — Tommie Sykes hit a clutch free throw in the closing seconds to propel Louisiana-Monroe past New Orleans 48-47 on Saturday night.

Dynile Forbes and Colby Carr scored 10 points apiece to lead the Warhawks (9-12, 4-6 Sun Belt Conference), who have won three of their last four games.

The Warhawks held a 47-42 lead with 1:23 to play, but New Orleans (7-13, 2-7) responded with two free throws from Carl Blair and a 3-pointer from Jaroslav Tyrna to tie the game at 47 with 39 seconds remaining.

Sykes was fouled on the ensuing possession, and he made 1 of 2 from the charity stripe to give Louisiana-Monroe a one-point lead. The Privateers had a final chance to win, but Blair’s shot with 5 seconds left was off target.

Charles Carmouche finished wirh nine points and 10 rebounds to lead New Orleans.