STWF Sports | New Orleans | Dec. 6, 2025 – HCU Huskies Pulls Away Late, Privateers Fall 85–76 in Southland Opener On an emotional night at Lakefront Arena that featured the jersey retirement of Privateer legend Bo McCalebb, New Orleans’ men’s basketball team battled but ultimately couldn’t generate enough second-half stops, falling 85–76 to visiting HCU on Saturday evening.

Despite a blistering shooting start and a 35–29 advantage late in the opening half, the Privateers couldn’t sustain their offensive rhythm after halftime. The Huskies erupted for 49 second-half points and, led by dominant guard play, seized control down the stretch to seal the victory.

Early Momentum, but Missed Opportunities Shift Tide

The Privateers (2–7, 0–1) came out energized, feeding off a raucous home crowd that had waited nearly a month to see the team in action at Lakefront Arena. New Orleans shot 14-of-22 to open the contest, spacing the floor and pushing tempo to force HCU into defensive mismatches.

The offensive spark gave UNO a 35–29 lead with under three minutes before halftime, but the momentum was short-lived. The Privateers cooled off dramatically, hitting just 4-of-16 shots over a crucial stretch spanning both halves. HCU capitalized, closing the gap to one at intermission and then systematically breaking the game open.

HCU Backcourt Duo Takes Over After Halftime

While New Orleans struggled to find consistency in the second half, the Huskies (5–4, 1–0) found the answers offensively. Ryan Bartley and Elijah Brooks combined for 24 points after halftime as HCU shifted into attack mode, pushing the lead to double digits by the midpoint of the frame.

The Huskies’ efficiency was decisive. HCU shot 52 percent after intermission, executed in the half court, and lived at the free-throw line — sinking 18 points from the stripe to reject every Privateer attempt at a rally.

Perhaps the turning point came at 10:37 remaining, when HCU capped off a 29–13 run to open the second half and take a 58–48 advantage. The Privateers would cut the deficit to 65–60 on a three-pointer from Coleton Benson with 6:47 to play, but every time UNO made a push, HCU had an answer at the free-throw line or on the glass.

Privateers’ Effort Highlighted by Benson’s Big Night

Despite the loss, New Orleans had standout performances. Benson continued his impressive early-season scoring form, pouring in 26 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including four three-pointers. His aggressiveness off the dribble and precision from beyond the arc kept UNO within striking distance late.

MJ Thomas delivered another strong performance in the post, finishing with 16 points and seven rebounds while giving the Privateers second-chance scoring opportunities.

Jakevion Buckley, known best as a scorer, shifted to playmaking mode, finishing with eight assists and five rebounds. Irish Coquia also facilitated effectively, handing out five assists under increased defensive pressure.

HCU’s Efficiency Seals the Road Win

While Benson led all scorers, HCU won the efficiency battle. The Huskies had five players in double figures, including Demarco Bethea, who just missed a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds. Kylin Green added 11 points and nine assists, pacing the half-court offense and setting shooters up in rhythm.

The biggest difference-maker came from the free-throw line. The Huskies’ 18 made free throws in the second half came at pivotal moments, extinguishing each Privateer surge.

Game Notes

• UNO shot 57 percent in the first half but finished at 47 percent overall.

• HCU held a slight rebounding edge and dominated late possessions.

• Despite UNO’s clean ball movement (13 team assists), HCU’s defensive rotations disrupted key scoring opportunities in the second half.

What’s Next

There will be little time to regroup. The Privateers return to Lakefront Arena on Monday night for their second Southland matchup, this time against UIW. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m., as UNO searches for its first conference win of the season.