Bergersen, Jones spark C. Arkansas to 73-68 comeback win

CONWAY, Ark. (AP) — Rylan Bergersen and Deandre Jones combined for 41 points as Central Arkansas rallied in the second half to defeat New Orleans 73-68 on Wednesday night.

Bergersen was 6-for-9 shooting with three 3-pointers for 21 points, tying his career best, while Jones notched his eighth straight game in double figures with 20 points and dished six assists. Hayden Koval added 11 points and 10 rebounds, his fifth double-double of the season, for the Bears (9-16, 8-6 Southland Conference).

New Orleans was up 39-31 at halftime and didn’t trail until Jones hit a leaning jumper to give Central Arkansas its first lead 53-52 with 9:44 remaining. Jones followed with a layup a minute later, but the Privateers fought back to a 63-60 lead.

Koval drained a tying 3-pointer from the top of the circle and the Bears finished out the game on a 13-5 run.

Troy Green had 19 points and eight rebounds for the Privateers (7-17, 3-11). Bryson Robinson added 16 points and seven rebounds. Jahmel Myers had 11 points. The Privateers forced two late turnovers to regain possession with a chance to tie with 20.2 seconds left.

Bergersen partially blocked Robinson’s potential game-tying 3-pointer with 11 seconds left and Central Arkansas hung on.

Central Arkansas matches up against Sam Houston State on the road on Saturday. New Orleans takes on Incarnate Word at home on Saturday.