STWF Sports | NEW ORLEANS | March 8 — Postseason basketball has arrived for the New Orleans Privateers men’s basketball, and the path begins with a familiar opponent.
The Privateers (14-17, 12-10 Southland) will open play in the Southland Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament Sunday evening against the Houston Christian Huskies, marking the third meeting between the programs this season. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. from Townsley Law Arena in Lake Charles.
For New Orleans, the matchup offers both opportunity and motivation. The Huskies have defeated the Privateers twice during the regular season, including an 85–76 victory at Lakefront Arena on Dec. 6 and a narrow 61–60 win in Houston on Feb. 14. Those results have left UNO eager to reverse the narrative in a setting where the stakes are significantly higher.
Despite the recent setbacks, New Orleans enters the tournament with momentum following a season highlighted by strong individual performances and multiple conference honors.
Senior guard Coleton Benson and veteran playmaker Jakevion Buckley were named second-team All-Southland Conference earlier this week, recognizing their consistent impact throughout the season. Forward Churchill Abass also received league recognition, earning a spot on the Southland Conference All-Defensive Team after emerging as one of the league’s top rim protectors.
The trio has played a central role in guiding the Privateers through conference play. Benson’s perimeter shooting and scoring ability have made him one of the Southland’s most dangerous offensive threats, while Buckley’s playmaking and defensive instincts have helped stabilize the backcourt. Abass has anchored the defensive effort with his shot-blocking presence and rebounding ability.
Historically, the Privateers have found success in the Southland Conference Tournament. New Orleans owns a 10–8 all-time record in the event, including a dominant 90–69 victory over Houston Christian in the teams’ only previous postseason meeting in 2023.
This year’s tournament marks just the second time the Privateers have entered as the No. 5 seed. The last occurrence came in 2018, when New Orleans defeated No. 8 seed Texas A&M–Corpus Christi Islanders before falling to Sam Houston State Bearkats in the quarterfinal round.
Overall, New Orleans still holds the advantage in the series against Houston Christian, leading the all-time matchup 17–12. However, the Huskies have controlled the recent chapter, winning the last four contests between the programs.
Houston Christian secured its tournament berth with a strong finish to the regular season. The Huskies defeated Lamar Cardinals men’s basketball in their finale, a 12-point victory that locked in the No. 8 seed and extended their season.
Balanced scoring proved key in that win, with Ryan Bartley, Demarco Bethea, Kylin Green and D’Aundre Samuels each reaching double figures.
Green remains the focal point of the Huskies’ offense. The guard ranks third in the Southland Conference in both total assists and assists per game, distributing 141 assists while averaging 4.5 per contest. He also leads the team in scoring at 10.2 points per game, making him both the primary facilitator and a consistent offensive option.
For New Orleans, slowing Green’s playmaking ability will likely be a priority defensively. The Privateers will also look to capitalize on their own offensive strengths, particularly the scoring versatility provided by Benson and the ball movement orchestrated by Buckley.
Tournament games often hinge on momentum swings and timely execution, and Sunday’s matchup promises to deliver both.
With postseason survival on the line and a chance to avenge two regular-season defeats, the Privateers enter Lake Charles determined to extend their season — and perhaps begin another memorable run through the Southland bracket.
