STWF Sports | NEW ORLEANS | Nov. 21, 2025 — The University of New Orleans men’s basketball team (2–2, 0–0 Southland) will look to close its California swing on a high note Friday night when it travels to the Save Mart Center to face Fresno State (4–2, 0–0 Mountain West). Tipoff marks just the second meeting all-time between the programs — and the first in 41 years — as UNO attempts to avenge a 50–32 loss from their 1984 matchup.
That lone meeting was a defensive rock fight inside Selland Arena, Fresno State’s home before moving to Save Mart in 2003. New Orleans entered that contest with the nation’s leading scorer, John Harris, who averaged 31.5 points per game. But the Bulldogs, then among the NCAA’s premier defensive units, held Harris to just five points on 2-for-18 shooting and limited the Privateers to 34 percent from the field.
Nearly half a century later, the offensive identity for UNO looks much different — and much more balanced.
Benson Leading the Charge
Junior guard Coleton Benson continues to be the Privateers’ most dangerous weapon, entering Friday averaging 21.5 points per game. Benson has already produced some explosive outings, including 22 points at TCU, a career-best 33 at Tulane, and 17 more earlier this week at Pepperdine. His ability to score at all three levels has been the anchor of UNO’s early-season offense.
Backcourt partner Jakevion Buckley has been just as essential, filling up the stat sheet with 13.8 points, 6.8 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game. Buckley’s playmaking has created rhythm for the Privateers in the half-court, while his defensive activity has sparked transition opportunities.
In the frontcourt, MJ Thomas has become UNO’s most consistent presence on the glass. The sophomore forward leads the team with 8.3 rebounds per game, including a season-high 14 boards in the battle at Pepperdine. Churchill Abass has added stability with 6.0 rebounds per contest and produced eight rebounds against Tulane.
The question Friday night will be whether UNO’s balanced trio can withstand a Fresno State team that has been at its best on its home floor.
Scouting Fresno State
The Bulldogs enter the matchup 4–2 after an 80–78 win Tuesday over fellow Southland program Stephen F. Austin. While Fresno State was picked 11th in the Mountain West preseason poll after a 6–26 campaign last year, head coach Justin Hutson’s group has shown signs of major improvement — especially at Save Mart Center, where all four victories have occurred.
Point guard Zaon Collins drives the Bulldogs’ offense and ranks among the nation’s top distributors. His 31 assists — 5.2 per game — rank 17th and 85th nationally, respectively. He also leads the Mountain West in field goals made (36), showing increased confidence as a scorer.
Wing Jake Heidbreder is the Bulldogs’ top offensive threat, averaging 16.7 points per game. He has let it fly early and often, ranking No. 25 nationally in three-point attempts (42) and making 13 from deep. Collins follows closely with 15.5 points per game, while Jac Mani adds 10.1 per night. Forward Jacques Wilson anchors the interior with a team-best 5.7 rebounds per contest.
Fresno State’s strength lies in its half-court execution and defensive discipline — a formula that once suffocated UNO four decades ago. But this year’s Privateers, with improved spacing and guard play, present a far different challenge.
Game Coverage
Fans can watch Friday’s game free on the Mountain West Network or via the Mountain West Roku app. Radio coverage will be provided by the Privateer Sports Network on 106.1 Heaven FM, with live updates throughout the night on @PrivateersHoops on X.
UNO will look to end its West Coast trip at 3–2, while Fresno State aims to remain perfect at home — setting the stage for an intriguing early-season test for both sides.
