STWF  | NEW ORLEANS | Nov. 7, 2025  — The University of New Orleans Privateers are riding high after one of their most impressive season-opening wins in recent memory. Now, the energy shifts to Homecoming Week as UNO welcomes neighborhood rival Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) to Lakefront Arena on Saturday afternoon in what promises to be both a community celebration and a chance to solidify early-season momentum.

After stunning TCU 78–74 on Monday night in Fort Worth — a win that immediately drew national attention — the Privateers (1–0) enter their home opener with confidence, cohesion, and a sense of renewed belief in their roster’s potential.

UNO Riding High After TCU Upset

UNO’s victory over TCU marked a major milestone for the program. It was the Privateers’ first win over a Power Four opponent since 2016 and their first against a Big 12 team since 2007. Head coach Mark Slessinger’s squad not only won — they controlled nearly every aspect of the game.

UNO led for more than 35 minutes, holding the Horned Frogs to just 38.8% shooting from the field (26-of-67) and a dismal 11.1% from three (3-of-27). The Privateers also owned the glass with a 39–28 rebounding advantage, demonstrating the kind of toughness that has long defined Slessinger’s best teams.

The performance vaulted UNO into the Field of 68’s Mid-Major Top 25 at No. 20, a significant early-season recognition for a Southland Conference squad that many had pegged as a dark horse contender.

“I’m proud of our guys for the poise they showed on the road,” Slessinger said postgame. “We defended with energy, we rebounded, and we trusted each other. It was a total team win.”

Leading that charge was Coleton Benson, a transfer from Texas State, who erupted for 22 points in his Privateer debut — becoming the first UNO player to score 20+ in a season opener since Derek St. Hilaire did it against Ole Miss in 2021. Benson’s smooth perimeter shooting and ability to create in transition made him an instant difference-maker.

Alongside him, Jakevion Buckley shined with 13 points and nine assists, orchestrating the offense with composure beyond his years. Meanwhile, MJ Thomas was perfect from the floor (5-for-5), adding 10 points and seven rebounds in an all-around performance off the bench.

Big men Churchill Abass and Panagiotis Pagonis both pulled down seven rebounds, anchoring a frontcourt that looks far deeper and more physical than last year’s unit.

Homecoming Spotlight: SUNO Returns to the Lakefront

Saturday’s matchup holds special significance beyond the box score. For the second time since relaunching their athletic program in 2022, SUNO will face UNO in a cross-town meeting that celebrates the resilience and revival of local college basketball.

The SUNO Knights (1–4) are still finding their rhythm under head coach and athletic director James Matthews, who has been instrumental in resurrecting the university’s athletic department after a six-year hiatus.

In just over three years since returning to the court, SUNO has compiled a 20–39 record, but their presence in this matchup is about more than wins and losses — it’s about community pride and local identity.

Leading the way for the Knights is Jamal Gibson, a two-time NAIA All-American who has become one of the most dominant small-college players in the South. Gibson — who spent time training with the Privateers over the summer — enters Saturday’s game averaging 18.0 points and 16.0 rebounds per game. In seven career matchups against Division I opponents, he’s averaged 17.4 points and 11.7 rebounds, proving he’s capable of competing at the highest level.

Another familiar face returning to the Lakefront is former Privateer forward Dorian Booker, now a key starter for SUNO. Booker is averaging 10.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 68% from the field through five games.

“We have great respect for what Coach Matthews and SUNO are building,” Slessinger said. “They’re a proud program, and we expect a competitive game. It’s always special to play local teams that share our love for New Orleans basketball.”

Keys to the Matchup

For UNO, maintaining focus and energy will be crucial. After an emotional high in Fort Worth, it would be easy for the Privateers to overlook a smaller program. However, Slessinger’s teams have traditionally been disciplined at home, especially early in the season.

Expect UNO to once again rely on its defensive intensity and depth. The Privateers’ rebounding dominance and balanced scoring — with five players scoring at least seven points against TCU — could overwhelm SUNO’s smaller rotation.

For the Knights, the challenge will be containing UNO’s transition offense and finding ways to get Gibson involved early in the post. If SUNO can slow the tempo and hit open threes, they could make the crosstown rivalry interesting well into the second half.

The Bottom Line

Homecoming at Lakefront Arena is shaping up to be more than just a celebration — it’s a statement opportunity for a UNO team looking to prove its TCU victory was no fluke.

With new faces stepping up, old rivalries renewed, and a growing sense of confidence in New Orleans, Saturday’s game could serve as the next step in what already looks like a promising 2025–26 season for the Privateers.