The New Orleans Privateers men’s basketball team concluded their regular season with an 82-78 loss to the Southeastern Lions at Lakefront Arena on Monday. Despite a strong performance from Jakevion Buckley, who recorded 28 points, 13 assists, and two blocks against his former team, the Privateers were unable to secure a win in their final game before the Southland Tournament.
Buckley’s efforts included just one turnover during the contest. The Privateers will now enter the opening round of the Southland Tournament on Sunday.
The game remained close throughout the first half until Southeastern went on a 10-2 run, giving them a 40-32 lead at halftime. New Orleans struggled offensively late in the half, with their only points coming from Coleton Benson at the free throw line during the last three minutes.
In the second half, New Orleans responded with an 8-0 run in less than two minutes and eventually took their first lead of the period at the 14:28 mark. The remainder of regulation featured four ties and seven lead changes.
Southeastern’s Jaiden Lawrence hit two crucial three-pointers late in the game, including one that gave his team a 73-71 advantage with just over two minutes left. The Lions maintained control by holding New Orleans scoreless on consecutive possessions and extending their lead through free throws.
Ahmed Essahaty missed two free throws for Southeastern with 11 seconds remaining, offering New Orleans a chance to tie. However, their three-point attempt was unsuccessful. C.J. Booker then made one of two free throws for Southeastern with under four seconds left to secure the victory.
Jeremy Elyzee led Southeastern with 23 points while Isaiah Gaines contributed 18 points, including six key free throws down the stretch. Lawrence finished with 12 points on four three-pointers.
For New Orleans, Benson scored 21 points and added five assists while making ten out of eleven free throws. Kedrick Osby contributed eleven points and five rebounds. The Privateers tallied a season-high twenty-one assists as both teams combined for ten ties and nineteen lead changes throughout the night.
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