NEW ORLEANS -- Makur Puou scored 14 points and led four players into double-figure scoring as New Orleans won its third straight to start the Southland Conference season, turning back Lamar 72-62 on Wednesday night.

The Privateers held Lamar to just 16 first-half points and held a 13-point advantage at intermission.

Joey Frenchwood knocked down a jumper in the first minute that got Lamar within one, but New Orleans (6-8, 3-0) ran off 10 straight before Frenchwood could hit a second jumper.

The Cardinals hit six of their seven 3-pointers in the second half to cut the halftime deficit. James Harrison's jumper with 6:04 left cut the New Orleans lead to four, 56-52, but they could get no closer.

Dionta Champion scored 13 points for the Privateers and Travin Thibodeaux and Bryson Robinson each added 11.

Josh Nzeakor and Zjori Bosha scored 15 and 14 points, respectively, for Lamar (10-6, 2-1).