NEW ORLEANS, La. – A 19-5 run to start the second half helped Jones defeat Delgado, 65-52, Thursday night at The Williamson Center in the first meeting between the programs in eight years.

Jones closed the first half of the season 11-3 with a seventh victory away from home. Delgado fell to 1-13.

The Bobcats had to dig out of a huge hole early, trailing 15-3 to start. Their first field goal didn't come until the 13:56-mark by Malik Franklin.

Jones rallied to tie the game at 24-all with 3:36 left in the half and trailed by just three at the break. 

LJ Hackman and Ky Pernell combined for 17 of Jones' 26 first half points. 

Jones caught fire with a 19-5 run to start the second half, turning a 31-26 deficit into a 45-36 lead. 

After taking a 37-36 lead on a pair of free throws by Kylan Howze, Jones never trailed again. Howze closed the night with nine points, a career-high 19 rebounds and four blocks.

Trey Smith scored all 14 of his points in the second half and Dimp Pernell had 11 of his 13 in the second period.

Deshawn Riley had 17 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Dolphins.

Both teams shot under 38 percent.

Jones will enjoy a brief holiday break and return to action on Monday, Jan. 8 against Baton Rouge.