LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) Demarcus Sharp scored 31 points and distributed nine assists and Northwestern State beat New Orleans 74-70 in Southland Conference semifinal tournament contest on Tuesday night.

Northwestern State (22-10) established an 18-9 lead and never trailed. The Demons extended their lead to 31-17 with 5:51 before halftime before the Privateers (12-20) closed to 36-28 at halftime.

Jamond Vincent's three-point play with 5:49 left brought New Orleans to a 62-all tie, but Isaac Haney countered with a 3-pointer 16 seconds late and the Demons stayed ahead the rest of the way.