New Orleans stunned No. 21 TCU 78-74 in season opener, overcoming late rally with strong defense and free throws.

New Orleans upset No. 21 TCU 78-74 in a season opener, overcoming a late rally by the Horned Frogs. The Privateers, who went 4-27 last season, led 44-28 at halftime and shot 49.1% from the field while outrebounding TCU 38-28. Coleton Benson scored 24 points with four 3-pointers, and Jakevion Buckley added 13 points and nine assists. TCU, which had not lost a season opener under coach Jamie Dixon since 2013, made just 3 of 27 three-pointers. David Punch led TCU with 19 points and eight rebounds, but the Frogs missed key shots down the stretch, including two 3-pointers in six seconds. New Orleans made four of six free throws in the final 18 seconds to secure the win.