STWF Sports | NEW ORLEANS | Nov. 24, 2025  – The New Orleans Privateers men’s basketball team faces one of its toughest stretches of the season this week, heading into back-to-back tests against power-conference opponents. First up is a Monday night battle in Starkville against Mississippi State, followed by a mid-week showdown at No. 15 Texas Tech on Wednesday. For a Privateers squad looking to define its early-season identity, the next 72 hours will offer clarity—and opportunity.

Privateers Searching for Momentum After West Coast Trip

UNO (2-3) enters the week looking to rebound from a challenging two-game West Coast swing that featured competitive but ultimately unsuccessful outings against Pepperdine and Fresno State. Despite the losses, the Privateers saw standout performances—none bigger than Jakevion Buckley’s monster outing against the Bulldogs, where he posted 25 points and 14 rebounds, securing his second double-double of the season.

Buckley has quickly emerged as one of the Southland Conference’s most productive two-way players. His 7.5 rebounds per game, good for fourth in the league, help anchor a Privateers squad that has thrived on the glass. He’s joined by MJ Thomas, who sits sixth in the conference at 6.8 rebounds per contest, giving UNO one of the most reliable rebounding duos in the Southland.

UNO’s commitment to defensive discipline has also been evident. Through five games, the Privateers rank top five nationally in three-point defense, holding opponents to a stifling 23.1% from deep. Offensively, they’ve been highly efficient from long range as well, knocking down 34.8% of their own attempts.

A Historic Road Ahead

This week marks one of UNO’s rare opportunities to test itself against elite national competition. The Privateers are 1-9 all-time vs. Mississippi State, with all seven meetings in Starkville ending in losses. Against Texas Tech, the series is tied 1-1. Wednesday’s matchup in Lubbock will be UNO’s first trip there in more than a decade.

With a mid-December date looming against national runner-up Houston, this stretch represents the heart of a daunting non-conference schedule—one that could pay dividends when Southland Conference play begins.

Scouting the Opponents

MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS (3-3)

Mississippi State enters Monday looking to steady the ship after dropping both of its Hall of Fame Classic matchups. Even with those setbacks, the Bulldogs feature one of the nation’s most explosive scorers in Josh Hubbard, who is averaging a blistering 23.8 points per game, ranking sixth in Division I.

Hubbard’s volume scoring is backed by relentless usage—he has already attempted 85 field goals, ranking 33rd nationally. If UNO wants to pull off the upset, slowing Hubbard will be priority No. 1.

The Bulldogs remain long, athletic, and disruptive defensively, and Starkville has historically been an unforgiving environment for visitors. For UNO, composure and efficient shot selection will be essential.

#15 TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS (4-2)

Head coach Grant McCasland’s Red Raiders are off to a strong start, dropping games only to ranked contenders Illinois and Purdue. Texas Tech is averaging 82.3 points per game, powered by a balanced attack with four players averaging double figures.

The headliner is breakout star JT Toppin, who has emerged as one of the country’s most dynamic forwards. Toppin enters the week averaging 21.8 points and 10.4 rebounds, placing him among the elite early-season performers in the Big 12.

Texas Tech plays with physicality, pace, and pressure—traits that will test UNO’s depth and defensive execution. The Privateers’ ability to control tempo and limit turnovers will be critical to staying competitive in Lubbock.

Key Storylines to Watch

• Can Buckley stay hot?
  His back-to-back standout performances have positioned him as an early-season Southland Player of the Year candidate.

• Will UNO’s three-point defense hold up against high-major pace and size?
  The Privateers’ elite close-outs will be tested by two athletic, high-volume shooting teams.

• Bench production will be pivotal.
  In a week with two physical opponents, depth could determine how long UNO hangs around.

Bottom Line

For the New Orleans Privateers, this week represents far more than just two games. It’s a measuring stick—an opportunity to see how their shooting, rebounding, and toughness translate against national powers. Upsets won’t come easy against Mississippi State or No. 15 Texas Tech. But with confidence from recent standout performances and the nation’s third-best three-point defense, UNO enters the week prepared for the challenge.

Win or lose, these next two games will sharpen the edges of a Privateers team aiming to compete for a Southland title come March.