FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Coleton Benson scored 24 points to help New Orleans hold off TCU 78-74 in a season opener Monday night.

Benson had 12 points and Kendrick Osby scored 10 to help New Orleans jump out to a 37-17 lead in the first 13 minutes and a 44-28 advantage at halftime.

TCU used a 12-0 run to cut the deficit to 70-62 with 4:01 left to play.

Jakevion Buckley made two free throws to end the run, but Jayden Pierre scored four in an 8-0 spurt and the Horned Frogs trailed 72-70 with 2:01 remaining. Tavaj Cope scored for New Orleans, but Brock Harding hit a jumper to keep it a two-point game.

Pierre and Tanner Toolson missed 3-pointers following a Privateers turnover and Benson grabbed the rebound, was fouled and hit two foul shots for a two-possession lead as New Orleans prevaile

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