STWF Sports | NEW ORLEANS | Jan. 30, 2026  — Momentum is beginning to tilt in the right direction for the New Orleans Privateers as they return to Lakefront Arena for a critical Southland Conference stretch that could shape the final weeks of the regular season. New Orleans will host Northwestern State Demons on Saturday in a 5 p.m. tip before hitting the road Monday night for a matchup against East Texas A&M Lions in Commerce.

The Privateers enter the week at 6–6 in conference play, firmly back in the Southland race after an emphatic 80–62 victory over Nicholls on Tuesday. That win allowed New Orleans to split the season series with the Colonels and move within one game of third place in the league standings, currently shared by Nicholls and Texas A&M–Corpus Christi. With several teams bunched tightly in the middle of the table, every possession carries added weight.

Tuesday’s performance was one of New Orleans’ most complete efforts of the season, particularly on the glass. The Privateers dominated the rebounding battle 48–28, marking their largest rebounding margin against a Division I opponent since a 2005 matchup against San Jose State. That physical edge underscored an identity that has taken shape throughout conference play.

In Southland games, New Orleans has quietly emerged as one of the league’s strongest rebounding units. The Privateers rank second in total rebounds (37.7 per game), fourth in offensive rebounds (12.3), and fourth in rebounding margin (+3.2). That consistency has provided extra possessions and allowed the team to control tempo, especially during recent wins.

Much of that interior presence has been driven by Churchill Abass, whose production has surged over the last five games. Abass is averaging 14.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per contest during that span while shooting an eye-catching 76.9 percent from the field (30-for-39). Fourteen of those made baskets have come via dunks, a reflection of both improved positioning and growing confidence around the rim. His activity on both ends has given New Orleans a reliable anchor as the schedule tightens.

The Privateers have also benefited from disruptive defense in the backcourt. Jakevion Buckley turned in a standout performance against Nicholls, recording six steals, tying his career high and marking his most in a game against a Division I opponent. Buckley is now averaging 2.0 steals per game, second-best in the Southland, trailing only Nicholls’ Sincere Malone. His ability to pressure ball handlers and ignite transition opportunities has added another dimension to New Orleans’ attack.

Saturday’s matchup against Northwestern State presents an immediate test. The Demons claimed the first meeting this season, rallying from an early second-half deficit to secure a 74–68 win. Since then, Northwestern State has been involved in a string of close contests, but results have not broken their way. The Demons sit at 4–7 in league play and have dropped their last three games — each by just two points — underscoring how thin the margins have been.

Northwestern State is led by Micah Thomas, who ranks among the Southland’s most reliable scorers. Thomas averages 17.0 points per game, fifth-best in the conference, and leads the league in free throw percentage at 93.6 percent, making late-game fouling a risky proposition.

After Saturday’s home tilt, New Orleans will travel to Commerce for a Monday night rematch with East Texas A&M. The Privateers won the first meeting 83–73 at Lakefront Arena, but the Lions remain a dangerous opponent. East Texas A&M enters the week at 3–8 in Southland play, just one game behind Northwestern State for the final spot in the standings.

The Lions are one of the league’s most efficient passing teams, leading the Southland with 16.9 assists per game. Ronnie Harrison anchors the lineup, ranking in the top ten in the conference in both scoring (15.1 points per game) and rebounding (6.2 per game).

For New Orleans, the upcoming two-game stretch represents both opportunity and urgency. A strong showing at home followed by a road win would further compress the standings and reinforce the Privateers’ upward trajectory. With rebounding dominance, defensive pressure, and balanced scoring now aligning, New Orleans enters the week positioned to make a meaningful push as the Southland race intensifies.