HUNTSVILLE, Texas -- Jamal Williams had nine points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, Dakarai Henderson scored 18, and Sam Houston State split three pairs of free throws in the final 45 seconds to pull away from New Orleans 73-70 on Saturday night.

After a 70-all tie, Jovante' Spivey, Henderson and Williams each made the first of two free throws to build the winning margin. Albert Almanza added 11 points for the Bearkats (8-8, 3-0 Southland).

Marc Andre Fortin's layup gave Sam Houston State a 56-55 lead with 6:58 left, and the teams had three ties and six lead changes from there -- mostly on free throws. There were only four made field goals by both teams in the final seven minutes.

New Orleans (5-8, 1-1) led 68-66 on Nate Frye's pair of foul shots with 2:19 left. Frye scored 14, Tevin Broyles added 13 and Christavious Gill 10 for the Privateers.