STWF Sports | NEW ORLEANS | Dec. 8, 2025  — In a Southland Conference matchup that swung wildly between dominance and desperation, the New Orleans Privateers survived a furious second-half surge from UIW and escaped Lakefront Arena with a dramatic 84–83 victory Monday night. The win marked UNO’s first conference triumph of the season and one that required poise, precision, and a defensive stand at the horn.

UIW, trailing by one with under 15 seconds to play, had two chances to steal the game. After Jordan Pyke secured an offensive rebound, the ball found Southland scoring leader Davion Bailey, whose contested layup fell off the rim. UIW crashed the glass again, but the final shot never came as time expired and the New Orleans bench erupted.

The Privateers (3–7, 1–1 Southland) delivered their best offensive outing in nearly four years. UNO shot a blistering 58.3% from the floor, including an incredible 80% clip (16-for-20) in the second half. But they needed every bucket to withstand UIW’s 57-point explosion after halftime.

Privateers Open with Defensive Statement

Early on, New Orleans dictated tempo with suffocating defense. UIW managed just five points in the first seven minutes as UNO built an 11-point cushion, fueled by seven early points from forward TJ Cope.

The Privateers led by as many as 15 and appeared capable of running away with the contest. But UIW flipped the script after intermission, slicing through UNO’s defense and turning a once-comfortable deficit into an intense late-game scrap.

Cardinals Catch Fire in the Second Half

UIW (5–5, 1–2 Southland) entered the night as one of the league’s top scoring teams and showed it with a barrage of shot-making down the stretch. Bailey and Tahj Staveskie carried the charge, combining for 52 points, while the Cardinals buried eight second-half triples and shot 63.3% over the final 20 minutes.

Their first lead came at 78–76 on a Harold Woods layup with 3:52 left. But New Orleans answered immediately with one of the night’s defining plays.

Benson’s Four-Point Swing Reclaims Momentum

After being fouled on a deep left-wing three, Coleton Benson drained the shot and calmly swished the free throw, restoring UNO’s advantage at 80–78. The Cardinals tied it again, but Jakevion Buckley, steady as ever, nailed a mid-range jumper with 1:25 left — a basket that stood as the game-winner.

Bailey earned free throws with a chance to tie yet again but missed two of three, and UNO’s defense did the rest.

Stat Leaders — a Team Win

Four Privateers scored in double figures, showcasing balance and execution across the roster.

INSIDE THE BOX

• TJ Cope: 19 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks

• Jakevion Buckley: 18 points, 7 assists

• MJ Thomas: 16 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals

• Panagiotis Pagonis: 14 points (5-of-6 shooting)

UNO’s 58.3% shooting mark was its best since March 2021, a statistic that highlighted their relentless efficiency even as UIW shot themsleves back into contention.

Back on Track — Now a Major Test Awaits

The victory snapped the Privateers’ early-season frustrations and provided confidence heading into perhaps their toughest game of the year. UNO now travels to Houston to face #7 Houston on Saturday — a national power currently ranked in the Top 10 and known for its ferocious defense and tempo.

Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. as New Orleans looks to build on the momentum of a wild, high-drama win in their home opener.