NEW ORLEANS -- Travin Thibodeaux made two free throws and Makur Puou slammed home a dunk in the final seconds as New Orleans came back to beat Abilene Christian 77-74 in the Southland Conference opener on Thursday night.

Abilene Christian's Tevin Foster nailed a 3-point jumper and followed with two free throws to give the Wildcats a 74-73 lead with 26 seconds remaining. Thibodeaux, who finished with 20 points and eight rebounds, sank two free throws for a 75-74 lead.

Foster, who scored ACU's final nine points, missed a layup with 13 seconds remaining. Puou sealed the win with his dunk. Foster missed a 3-point attempt with three seconds remaining.

The Wildcats had a 36-34 halftime advantage.

Puou was 6 of 7 from the floor for 16 points. Troy Green added 14 for New Orleans (4-8) which won the conference tournament last year.

Foster had 25 points and Jaren Lewis added 12 with 12 rebounds for ACU (8-6).