NEW ORLEANS -- Erik Thomas had 23 points, 13 rebounds and five assists to help New Orleans beat Central Arkansas 84-61 to stay atop the Southland Conference standings on Saturday.

Nate Frye and Christavious Gill added 12 points each and Travin Thibodeaux had nine points and 13 rebounds for the Privateers (16-9, 11-3). Derreck Brooks had 14 points and Thatch Unruh added 12 for the Bears (8-20, 7-8).

New Orleans had a 38-24 lead at halftime, led by double digits throughout the second half and by as many as 28 late in the game. Central Arkansas never led.

Tevin Broyles' 3-pointer with 11:32 left in the first half capped a 10-0 run to make it 19-9 and Thomas' jumper at 5:44 capped an 8-0 run at 32-17.

The Privateers went 14 for 28 from 3-point range with Gill making 4 of 9. The Bears went 5 of 24 from long distance.