STWF Sports | MEMPHIS | Nov. 3, 2025  — The New Orleans Privateers men’s basketball team heads into a marquee road test on Wednesday night, visiting the Memphis Tigers at FedEx Forum in their final tune-up before the start of Southland Conference play. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m., marking the 11th meeting between the programs and the Privateers’ latest opportunity to secure their first-ever win over the Tigers.

New Orleans (2–5) enters the matchup battle-tested after a taxing Thanksgiving week that featured two power-conference opponents. The Privateers nearly shocked Mississippi State, pushing the Bulldogs to overtime before falling 81–78. Four players scored in double figures in that contest, including MJ Thomas and Churchill Abass, who both posted matching double-doubles with 13 points and 10 rebounds. The momentum of that performance faded in Lubbock, where UNO ran into No. 20 Texas Tech and dropped an 82–50 decision.

Still, despite the uneven record, the Privateers have shown flashes of high-level play and individual brilliance—none more impactful than those from Jakevion Buckley. The senior guard has already produced two double-doubles this season, including a 15-point, 12-assist outing at Tulane and a 25-point, 14-rebound effort at Fresno State. Buckley’s performance at Tulane was especially historic, marking the Privateers’ first points-assists double-double since 2018 and just the seventh since 1996. He remains one of only 10 players in the nation to record a points-assists double-double this season.

Another key contributor on Wednesday will be Coleton Benson, who enters the game perfect from the free-throw line. Benson is a flawless 24-for-24 this season and stands among just six players nationwide to maintain perfection while averaging at least 2.5 made free throws per game. With Terry Gill’s school-record streak of 32 consecutive makes (set in December 1971) within reach, Benson will have an opportunity to etch his name into Privateer history.

Collectively, New Orleans’ roster has already accounted for four double-doubles, the most of any Southland Conference team this season. Three different Privateers—Buckley, Thomas, and Abass—have contributed to that total, giving UNO a versatility and interior presence that should serve them well against Memphis’ athletic frontcourt.

When it comes to the matchup history, the Privateers face a steep climb. Memphis holds a 10–0 series advantage and won the most recent meeting in 2019 at FedEx Forum. Importantly, six of the ten games have been decided by single digits, signaling that New Orleans has often been competitive despite the uphill battle.

SCOUTING THE TIGERS

Memphis (2–4) snapped a three-game skid last week with a convincing 74–58 win over Southern Illinois. The Tigers were led by Julius Thedford and Dug McDaniel, each scoring 15 points. Their other victory came in the home opener against San Francisco, giving the Tigers some needed momentum as they search for rhythm early in the season.

Head coach Penny Hardaway, now in his eighth year at the helm, remains one of the AAC’s premier program builders. Hardaway has won an impressive 68.4 percent of his games across 228 contests. With Memphis opening the year as the preseason favorite to win the American Athletic Conference, expectations remain high despite a slow start. Preseason all-conference selections Dug McDaniel and Aaron Bradshaw headline a roster loaded with length, athleticism, and upside.

WHAT’S AT STAKE

For New Orleans, Wednesday represents more than a non-conference test—it’s an opportunity to sharpen execution, build confidence, and carry positive momentum into Southland play. A competitive showing or upset bid would further validate the growth demonstrated in recent weeks, especially in close battles like the overtime effort against Mississippi State.

Memphis, meanwhile, will be looking to stabilize after an inconsistent start and reinforce their preseason billing as conference favorites.

With talented guards on both ends, matchup intrigue in the paint, and two programs hungry for traction, Wednesday night’s clash at FedEx Forum promises to be a compelling showdown.

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