STWF Sports | NEW ORLEANS | Jan. 23, 2026  — Fresh off its most productive offensive performance of the season, the New Orleans Privateers men’s basketball team will take its momentum on the road this weekend for a demanding in-state Southland Conference swing. New Orleans is set to face McNeese on Saturday in Lake Charles before traveling to Thibodaux for a Monday night matchup against Nicholls, with both contests carrying significant implications in the league standings.

The Privateers enter the week at 7–12 overall and 5–5 in conference play, coming off an 89–76 victory over Lamar on Monday night at Lakefront Arena. That win marked New Orleans’ highest point total in a regular-season game this year and showcased a balanced attack that has begun to take shape as conference play intensifies. Churchill Abass and MJ Thomas each scored 20 points, while five Privateers reached double figures — a combination that has proven to be a winning formula.

Monday’s performance represented the first time since Nov. 14, 2024, that New Orleans placed five players in double figures, a feat last achieved against Lindenwood. This season, the Privateers are 3–1 in Southland games when at least four players score 10 or more points, underscoring the importance of shared offensive production rather than reliance on a single scorer.

Abass, long known for his defensive impact, has emerged as a more complete threat in recent weeks. Currently top three in the Southland in blocked shots, the junior forward has added a consistent scoring touch to his game. Against Lamar, Abass recorded a career-high 20 points on an efficient 9-of-11 shooting, continuing a strong stretch of play.

Through the first 14 games of the season, Abass averaged 5.6 points per game. Over his last five outings, that number has jumped to 12.0 points per contest, while he has connected on 75 percent of his field goal attempts during that span. His improved finishing around the rim has added a new dimension to a Privateers frontcourt that already thrives on rim protection.

Thomas continues to anchor the team’s interior presence, both offensively and on the glass. The sophomore enters the weekend with 398 career rebounds in 50 games, leading all active Southland players. He is on the verge of surpassing the 400-rebound mark, with Northwestern State’s Willie Williams next closest at 344. Thomas’ rebounding consistency has been critical in keeping New Orleans competitive against physical conference opponents.

Defensively, the Privateers have built an identity around shot-blocking and interior resistance. New Orleans has recorded 78 blocks this season and averages 4.1 per game, the third-highest mark in the Southland. With 12 games remaining, the Privateers are on pace for 127 blocks, which would rank eighth in program history and stand as the second-highest season total since 2000. Only the 2018–19 squad, which finished with 134 blocks, recorded more.

Saturday’s challenge figures to be among the toughest on the conference schedule. McNeese (15–4, 8–2) has been dominant at home, remaining undefeated in nine games this season. The Cowboys boast the Southland’s highest-scoring offense at 83.5 points per game while also ranking third defensively, allowing just 68.1 points per contest. Larry Johnson leads the scoring attack, averaging 16.5 points per game, tied for fifth in the conference. Due to weather concerns, Saturday’s game has been moved up to a 2:30 p.m. tipoff, adding another variable to an already challenging road environment.

The road trip concludes Monday night at Nicholls (8–11, 7–3), a familiar opponent that defeated New Orleans 90–77 at Lakefront Arena on Jan. 10. Since that win, the Colonels have dropped three straight games, but their offensive potential remains dangerous. Jaylin Searles and Zee Hamoda combined for 44 points in the previous meeting, and Nicholls enters the weekend having made 182 three-pointers, the most in the Southland.

For New Orleans, the upcoming road stretch represents an opportunity to solidify its position in the middle of the conference race while testing the sustainability of its recent offensive surge. If the Privateers can maintain balanced scoring, protect the rim, and withstand hostile environments, the in-state trip could serve as a defining stretch in their Southland campaign.