New Orleans secured a hard-fought 79-76 victory over Southeastern Louisiana at the University Center, with Coleton Benson leading the charge. The Privateers' guard exploded for 30 points, outdueling SE Louisiana's Isaiah Gaines, who recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. The win marked a closely contested affair, with both teams trading baskets throughout the evening.
At halftime, New Orleans held a slim 38-34 advantage, but SE Louisiana refused to back down. The Lions' Jalen Forrest and Kyle Edison chipped in with 12 and 9 points, respectively, to keep their team within striking distance. However, Benson's relentless scoring and the supporting cast of MJ Thomas, who added 12 points and 12 rebounds, and Churchill Abass, who contributed 11 points and 8 rebounds, proved too much for SE Louisiana to overcome.
As the second half unfolded, New Orleans maintained its narrow lead, with Benson consistently finding ways to score. Despite SE Louisiana's best efforts, the Privateers' offense clicked on all cylinders, scoring 41 points in the final 20 minutes to seal the win. The Lions' Gaines did his best to keep his team afloat, but ultimately, New Orleans' depth and Benson's heroics made the difference.
The victory marked a Quad 4 win for New Orleans, which currently boasts a 238 net ranking. While the outcome may not have real consequences for the tournament picture, it does provide a much-needed boost to the Privateers' resume. For SE Louisiana, the loss drops the Lions to 6-15 and deals a blow to their already slim postseason hopes. As a Quad 4 loss, it won't severely damage their resume, but it does highlight the challenges the team faces in terms of competing against similar opponents.
New Orleans' ability to close out the game on the road will undoubtedly be a confidence booster, particularly given the strong performance from Benson. As the Privateers look to build momentum, they'll rely on their star guard to continue producing at an elite level. Meanwhile, SE Louisiana will aim to regroup and refocus, hoping to turn their season around despite the setback.
In the end, New Orleans' victory serves as a reflection of the team's resilience and Benson's exceptional talent. While the win may not resonate loudly in the national conversation, it's a crucial step forward for the Privateers as they strive to improve their standing. With the season far from over, New Orleans want to capitalize on this momentum, using the win as a springboard to bigger and better things. The Privateers' tournament chances remain a long shot, but with performances like Benson's, they'll remain a formidable opponent in their conference.