STWFsports | COMMERCE, Texas | Feb. 3, 2026 — New Orleans Privateers delivered their most explosive offensive performance of the season Monday night, riding a career night from Coleton Benson to a 94–85 road victory over the East Texas A&M Lions at The Field House.
Benson poured in a game-high 34 points as New Orleans posted its highest scoring output of the campaign, showcasing efficiency, composure, and shot-making that repeatedly quieted the home crowd. The senior guard flirted with program history once again, knocking down five three-pointers in the first half alone. Though he finished two shy of tying the single-game record, Benson ended the night an ultra-efficient 7-of-10 from beyond the arc while adding five assists to cap a complete offensive performance.
The Privateers set the tone immediately. New Orleans opened the contest on a 9–2 run, playing with pace and confidence while capitalizing on clean looks early. The early surge reflected a team fully locked in, as the conference’s second-highest scoring offense since league play began connected on its first five shots from the field.
East Texas A&M responded with energy, trimming the margin to a single point on two separate occasions in the opening half. Each time, however, the Privateers answered with poised execution. Benson led the charge, scoring 21 points before halftime and draining five of his seven three-point attempts in the opening 20 minutes.
By the break, New Orleans had seized firm control. The Privateers headed into the locker room with a 52–35 advantage, shooting a blistering 65.5 percent from the field while committing just four turnovers. Ball movement was crisp, spacing was sharp, and the offense flowed with purpose as New Orleans repeatedly broke down the Lions’ defense.
The second half appeared headed toward a runaway early on. A quick push after intermission helped the Privateers stretch their lead to as many as 24 points at the 16:56 mark, putting East Texas A&M in a deep hole. But the Lions refused to fold on their home floor.
A sudden shooting surge flipped the momentum. Four consecutive three-pointers by four different Lions ignited a rally, slicing the deficit to single digits with 10:32 remaining. What once looked comfortable turned tense as New Orleans saw its lead shrink to just six with 8:22 to play.
Facing mounting pressure, the Privateers delivered their most important stretch of the night.
New Orleans responded with an 8–0 run over the next two minutes, reestablishing a double-digit cushion and restoring control. Benson once again served as the stabilizing force, either scoring or creating opportunities to halt East Texas A&M’s momentum and close the door on a potential comeback.
The Lions were led by Gianni Hunt, who finished with 23 points and repeatedly attacked the paint, going an impressive 13-of-14 from the free throw line. Ronnie Harrison chipped in 18 points and eight rebounds, while Josh Taylor added 15 points to round out a balanced effort for the home side.
Still, the night belonged to New Orleans. The Privateers combined elite shooting, disciplined ball security, and timely responses to adversity to secure a road win that showcased both offensive firepower and mental toughness.
As conference play tightens, Monday’s performance offered a glimpse of the Privateers at their best—decisive early, resilient late, and led by a guard capable of taking over games. With Benson in rhythm and the offense clicking, New Orleans left Commerce with more than just a win—they left with momentum.
