THIBODAUX, La. (AP) -- Fred Hunter scored 15 of his 22 points in the first half, when Nicholls State shot 75 percent on the way to a 92-79 victory over New Orleans on Monday night.

The Colonels (1-2), who hadn't played since Nov. 16, showed no signs of rust while making 15 of 20 first-half shots, including 6 of 8 from 3-point range, to lead 47-31.

Hunter made all four of his shots in the half, along with 7 of 8 free throws.

JaMarkus Horace added 17 points for Nicholls State, with 15 coming in the second half, when the Privateers (2-3) got no closer than 10 points.

Lovell Cook scored 15 points and Rarlensee Nelson had 13 points and nine assists for New Orleans, which currently plays as a Division I independent but will join Nicholls State next season in the Southland Conference.

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