The University of New Orleans Privateers men’s basketball team achieved a 77-73 victory over Stephen F. Austin on Monday at William R. Johnson Coliseum, ending the Lumberjacks’ 13-game winning streak and 15-game home win streak. The win brings the Privateers to a 14-15 overall record and 12-8 in Southland Conference play.
Coleton Benson led the Privateers with 30 points, marking his fourth game this season scoring at least that many. He shot 10-for-17 from the field, made three three-pointers, and converted all seven of his free throw attempts. His final two free throws came with less than five seconds left in the game.
Freshman Panagiotis Pagonis contributed key plays in the closing moments, securing two offensive rebounds late and drawing a foul with under 16 seconds remaining while UNO held a slim lead. He made both free throws to give his team a four-point advantage.
Jakevion Buckley recorded 11 assists, bringing his season total to 153 and moving him up to seventh place on UNO’s single-season assists list.
MJ Thomas posted his fifth double-double of the year with an 18-point, 10-rebound performance along with three blocks and two steals. TJ Cope added 11 points and seven rebounds as UNO led by eight at halftime.
Stephen F. Austin briefly took their first lead early in the second half but UNO responded with a decisive run capped by Benson’s steal and layup that extended their lead to double digits.
The Privateers shot 48% from the field compared to SFA’s 36%, holding their opponents to just 18% shooting from three-point range. They also outrebounded SFA by three overall and nine defensively.
Stephen F. Austin was led by Thompson and Lateef Patrick who each scored 19 points, while Jerald Colonel had a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds plus four blocks.
Monday’s result marks New Orleans’ first-ever win at William R. Johnson Coliseum after six previous losses there. It also keeps them unbeaten (10-0) in conference games played on Mondays or Tuesdays this season. With nine road wins this year, UNO ties its school record for away victories set during the1992-93 and2007-08 seasons.
UNO is now tied for third place in league standings alongside UTRGV ahead of its final regular-season home games against McNeese on Saturday (Senior Night) and Southeastern next Monday.
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