NEW ORLEANS — Bo McCalebb had 20 points and Kyndall Dyles 16 as New Orleans beat Denver 65-60 in the first round of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament.
New Orleans (19-12) got the game’s first 12 points and led by at least five all the way. The victory puts them in Sunday’s quarterfinals against top-seeded South Alabama, the tournament host.
The Privateers beat Denver (11-19) twice in the regular season for the first time they have beaten a team three times in one season since 1999-2000, also against Denver.
The Pioneers, who lost their 31st road game in a row, were led by 11 points from Kyle Lewis.
Denver shot just 33 percent and made more turnovers (11) than field goals (seven) in the first half.
UNO, which led by as many as 17 in the second half, shot 52 percent overall and 54 percent in the second half.
