Home NCAA College UNO Privateers Outplay Mississippi State SEC Power—but One OT Shot Sends Them Home Broken

UNO Privateers Outplay Mississippi State SEC Power—but One OT Shot Sends Them Home Broken

November 24, 2025
NCAA College, Team Coverage

STWF Sports | NEW ORLEANS | Nov. 24, 2025 – The University of New Orleans men’s basketball team (2-4, 0-0 Southland) came agonizingly close to a historic road win on Monday night, falling 81–78 in overtime to Mississippi State (3-3, 0-0 SEC) in Starkville. The Privateers, who were seeking their first victory on an SEC floor since 1986, controlled long stretches of the game and led by double digits late before a series of clutch shots from the Bulldogs forced extra basketball at Humphrey Coliseum.

UNO’s upset bid ended on a heartbreaking sequence with 1.8 seconds remaining in overtime. Mississippi State freshman Amier Ali, who had earlier sent the game to OT, buried a contested, banked-in three-pointer from the left wing to lift the Bulldogs to victory. For a Privateers team that led for more than 30 minutes and outplayed MSU for long stretches, it was a bitter finish to an inspired performance.

Privateers Push SEC Foe to the Brink

Behind a blistering second-half stretch, New Orleans built a 13-point lead with 5:14 to play. However, Bulldogs guard Josh Hubbard, the SEC’s leading scorer, ignited his team late. With UNO nursing a three-point advantage in the final minute, Hubbard hit a deep three while drawing contact from Jakevion Buckley, fouling out the Privateers’ star guard on the play. His ensuing free throw gave Mississippi State a 67–66 lead with 48.8 seconds left — its first advantage since early in the half.

UNO refused to fold. Sophomore MJ Thomas stepped to the line moments later and sank two ice-cold free throws, reclaiming a 68–67 lead with just over 20 seconds remaining. The Privateers then forced a tough layup miss from Ja’borri McGhee, but could not secure the rebound. After being fouled, Ali split a pair of free throws with 2.8 seconds left, tying the game and sending it to overtime.

Back-and-Forth Overtime Thriller

Mississippi State grabbed control early in overtime, going up 75–71. But UNO battled back again. Churchill Abass, who delivered his best collegiate performance, drilled two free throws to cut the deficit to two. After a defensive stand led by a crucial Shawn Jones Jr. block, the Privateers executed perfectly on the ensuing possession.

Off a handoff from Panagiotis Pagonis, Coleton Benson banked in a high-arcing, off-angle three-pointer from the right side — his seventh triple of the night — knotting the contest at 78 with 27.8 seconds left.

Just seconds away from a potential signature win, UNO saw the game slip away on Ali’s improbable final shot.

Privateers’ Standouts Shine in SEC Showdown

Despite the loss, Monday night saw several standout performances from New Orleans:

Coleton Benson scored a team-high 25 points, hitting 7-of-13 from deep. He remains a perfect 24-for-24 at the free-throw line this season.
Churchill Abass posted his first collegiate double-double, finishing with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks — the most by a Privateer since 2021.
MJ Thomas added 13 points and 10 rebounds, marking his first double-double of the season and the seventh of his career.
Jakevion Buckley contributed 11 points, six assists, and four rebounds before fouling out in the closing minute.

UNO shot a season-best 94.1% from the free-throw line (16-for-17) and outrebounded Mississippi State 44–42, displaying poise and physicality against a bigger SEC opponent.

UNO gave Mississippi State everything they could handle and more… but fell 81-78 in OT after a wild banked three with 1.8 seconds left.

Coleton Benson was THAT GUY:
🔥 25 points
🔥 7 threes
🔥 Clutch OT bank shot to tie it late

Churchill Abass & MJ Thomas:
🔵 Both posted double-doubles
🔵 Abass: 13 pts, 10 boards, 4 blocks
🔵 Thomas: Ice-cold FT’s to force OT

UNO led by 13 points in the second half and controlled the game for 30+ minutes, outrebounded MSU 44–42, and shot 94% from the free-throw line.

But Josh Hubbard (SEC’s top scorer) forced OT with a 4-point play, and MSU escaped at home with a miracle finish.

FINAL: Mississippi State 81, UNO 78 (OT)
Next up: @ No. 20 Texas Tech on Wednesday. Tip: 12 PM on ESPN+.

Privateers keep proving they can punch with the big boys. 💪⚔️

UP NEXT

The Privateers won’t get any breaks. They head to Lubbock next for a Wednesday afternoon matchup against No. 20 Texas Tech, marking their second straight power-conference road test. Tipoff at United Supermarkets Arena is set for 12:00 p.m. CT on ESPN+ and 106.7 The Ticket FM