STWF Sports | Jan. 12, 2026 | HAMMOND, La. — In a game defined by momentum swings, relentless pressure, and clutch shot-making, the New Orleans Privateers delivered one of their most dramatic performances of the season Monday night, edging the Southeastern Lions 79–76 on a last-second three-pointer by Coleton Benson at the University Center.
With the clock nearly expired, Benson rose on the right wing and launched a contested three over Kyle Edison and Jeremy Elyzee. The shot rattled softly before dropping through the net with 0.1 seconds remaining, silencing the Hammond crowd and sealing New Orleans’ fourth Southland Conference victory in unforgettable fashion.
Benson finished with a game-high 30 points, but none loomed larger than his fourth three-pointer of the night — the decisive blow in a contest that refused to be settled until the final instant. The win capped a back-and-forth battle that featured 16 ties and 19 lead changes over 40 tightly contested minutes.
The Privateers appeared poised to escape earlier when Benson put New Orleans ahead 76–75 with under a minute remaining, followed by a defensive stand that forced a missed opportunity by the Lions. However, Southeastern was handed new life when New Orleans was whistled for a traveling violation with 17 seconds left, giving the hosts one final chance.
Isaiah Gaines stepped to the free throw line and converted one of two attempts, tying the score at 76–76 and setting the stage for the final possession. With no timeouts and pressure mounting, the ball found its way back to Benson — and the senior delivered.
The game was tightly contested from the opening tip. Neither team established separation early, with the score tied eight minutes into play. New Orleans then produced its first sustained run of the night, using a 10–2 surge fueled by five points from Benson to take a 26–18 lead with 8:59 remaining in the first half.
Southeastern responded quickly, trimming the deficit to a single point at the 5:06 mark as the Lions began to find rhythm offensively. Still, New Orleans maintained composure and controlled the remainder of the half. Benson and Churchill Abass combined for 25 first-half points, helping the Privateers carry a 38–34 lead into the locker room.
The second half unfolded much like the first — tightly contested and emotionally charged. Every push by one team was answered by the other, with neither side able to build more than a two-possession cushion. The tension inside the University Center steadily escalated as each possession gained importance.
While the scoring grabbed headlines, New Orleans’ work on the glass and defensive discipline proved equally critical. The Privateers dominated the rebounding battle 44–36, limiting second-chance opportunities and controlling tempo during key stretches. Defensively, New Orleans held Southeastern to just 36.1 percent shooting from the field, marking the third-lowest field goal percentage the Privateers have allowed this season.
Southeastern received solid contributions across the lineup. Gaines led the Lions with 18 points, while Jalen Forrest added 12. Edison chipped in nine points, including timely buckets that kept the Lions within striking distance until the final horn.
In the end, however, the night belonged to Benson. His scoring punch, poise under pressure, and willingness to take the biggest shot of the game lifted New Orleans through a hostile environment and delivered a statement road win.
For the Privateers, the victory reinforced their growing confidence in close games and underscored their ability to execute when margins are razor thin. On a night where neither team blinked, New Orleans blinked last — and left Hammond with a win that may resonate deep into conference play.
