STWF Sports|New Orleans|Nov. 18, 2925 – — Fresh off a nationally noticed 22-point win over Tulane, the University of New Orleans Privateers (2-1, 0-0 Southland) head west for their second straight road challenge, taking on the Pepperdine Waves (2-2, 0-0 WCC) Tuesday night at Firestone Fieldhouse in Malibu, California. It will be a meeting of contrasting identities: a high-efficiency, guard-driven UNO squad versus one of the country’s elite offensive rebounding teams.

UNO enters the matchup riding early-season momentum and climbing mid-major recognition. The Privateers were ranked No. 24 this week in both the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 and the Mid-Major Madness Power Rankings. A win over Pepperdine—or later this week in California—would give UNO its best five-game start since 2007, a season that began with historic road victories over Northwestern State, No. 21 NC State, Tulane, and Lamar.

Benson Coming Off Historic Week

No Privateer has more eyes on him right now than senior guard Coleton Benson, who on Monday was named Southland Player of the Week after erupting for 33 points at Tulane. His eight made threes were one shy of the UNO single-game record, and he now leads the team with 21.7 points per game, shooting a scorching 43.8% from beyond the arc (14-of-32).

Benson’s ability to stretch the floor has been a revelation early in the season, adding another dimension to an offense already fueled by tempo and spacing. His shooting will be crucial against a Pepperdine team that struggles to defend the perimeter but dominates the boards.

Buckley’s Emergence as a True Point Guard

All-Southland point guard Jakevion Buckley continues to elevate UNO’s pace and playmaking. Buckley is averaging 7.3 assists per game, including a 12-assist masterpiece at Tulane and a nine-assist outing at TCU. On Friday, he recorded his first career double-double with 15 points and 12 assists, becoming just the seventh Privateer in the past 30 years to post a points-assists double-double.

Buckley’s command of the offense—and his ability to generate clean looks for Benson, Jordan Johnson, and other shooters—will be tested by a physical Pepperdine squad that forces teams into tough, late-clock possessions.

New Faces in the Starting Lineup

UNO introduced two new starters in Friday’s rivalry win: MJ Thomas and Panagiotis Pagonis.

• Thomas delivered a versatile performance with seven points and seven rebounds, showing strong defensive instincts and a willingness to battle inside.

• Pagonis added seven points, displaying steady perimeter defense and timely scoring.

Their presence bolstered UNO’s size and rebounding—both essential traits heading into the Pepperdine matchup.

SCOUTING PEPPERDINE: A MONSTER ON THE GLASS

Under second-year head coach Ed Schilling, Pepperdine continues rebuilding a roster that finished 13–22 last season and was picked 11th in this year’s WCC preseason poll. While they lack star power—no Waves were selected to the preseason All-WCC teams—they’ve already carved out one clear identity: they rebound at an elite level.

Pepperdine ranks No. 3 nationally in offensive rebounds, averaging more than 18 per game. Their relentless approach on the glass is led by:

• Styles Phipps (6.3 RPG, 2.3 ORPG)

• Yonatan Levy (2.3 ORPG)

Offensively, the Waves lean on Aaron Clark, who leads the team with 16.5 points per game. Pepperdine has beaten Life Pacific and Lincoln but battled competitively in losses to UCLA and Northern Colorado.

Their ability to generate second-chance points will challenge a UNO team that has improved its rebounding effort but still faces concerns against larger, more physical frontcourts.

KEYS TO THE GAME

1. Control the Glass
Pepperdine thrives on extra possessions. UNO must limit offensive rebounds to avoid getting dragged into long, grinding half-court battles.

2. Pace and Spacing
With Buckley orchestrating and Benson shooting lights-out, UNO’s edge is speed and perimeter efficiency.

3. Defensive Discipline
Stopping Clark while making Pepperdine’s non-shooters beat them could tilt the matchup.

WHAT’S AT STAKE

A win continues UNO’s climb up the mid-major ranks and moves the Privateers closer to their best season start in nearly two decades. Benson is hot, Buckley is emerging, and the rotations are clicking—but Pepperdine’s physicality presents a real test.

Tuesday night in Malibu will reveal just how real this UNO surge is.