Michelini-Jackson erupts for career-high 28 points in Islanders' tournament win

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 9, 2026)  Daniel Michelini-Jackson saved his best game for the biggest stage. 

The sophomore guard exploded for a career-high 28 points on Monday night, leading No. 4 Texas A&M–Corpus Christi to a 74–61 victory over No. 5 New Orleans in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Southland Conference Basketball Championships.

Michelini-Jackson, who usually scores just 4.8 points per game, was on fire from the start. He poured in 20 points in the first half alone. His scoring helped the Islanders build a solid 37–30 lead by halftime.

The Islanders played tough inside the paint too. They outrebounded New Orleans 41–29, grabbing lots of extra chances to score on second shots.

Texas A&M–Corpus Christi shot the ball well, making 52.8 percent of their field goals. They also knocked down 10 three-pointers and stayed ahead for more than 32 minutes of the game.

Sheldon Williams added 15 points for the Islanders. D.A. Houston chipped in 11 points and handed out six assists. The team pushed their lead to as many as 16 points early in the first half.

New Orleans (15–18) did not go down easily. MJ Thomas led the Privateers with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Coleton Benson also scored 17 points, and TJ Cope added 14. Midway through the second half, the Privateers cut the lead to just one point. But Corpus Christi answered right back with a strong run to seal the win.

This victory sends Texas A&M–Corpus Christi to the semifinals for the first time since 2024. The Islanders last played in the Southland Conference championship game back in 2023.

Next up, the Islanders will face top-seeded Stephen F. Austin in the semifinals on Tuesday at 6 p.m. CT.. 

HCU ends Southland Conference tournament play with loss to New Orleans

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 8, 2026) The season came to an end for the Houston Christian University Huskies on Sunday night after a 73–60 loss to the New Orleans Privateers in the first round of the Southland Conference Men's Basketball Tournament. The game was played at Townsley Law Arena on the campus of McNeese State University.

HCU stayed close early and trailed by just one point at halftime, 34–33. However, a strong second-half run by New Orleans helped the Privateers pull away and end the Huskies’ season.

New Orleans jumped out to a quick 6–2 lead early in the game, but Houston Christian responded with a strong run. A jumper by Trent Johnson and back-to-back three-pointers from D'Aundre Samuels (No. 5, shown above) helped the Huskies take an 18–14 lead midway through the first half.

The teams traded baskets through the rest of the half. Samuels continued his hot shooting and knocked down his third three-pointer late in the period. Houston Christian stayed within striking distance, and a short jumper by Kylin Green just before halftime cut the deficit to 34–33 at the break.

Houston Christian briefly took the lead early in the second half after a basket by Ryan Bartley. But New Orleans quickly answered with a big scoring run. The Privateers used a 12–0 stretch over three minutes to build a 46–35 lead. That run gave New Orleans control of the game.

The Huskies tried to fight back in the second half. A three-pointer by Samuels and a basket inside from Demarco Bethea  helped trim the lead, but the Privateers kept their advantage in double digits for most of the final period.

Houston Christian made one last push late in the game. A layup by Bethea and a three-pointer by Johnson cut the deficit to 10 points with less than two minutes to play. However, that was as close as the Huskies would get.

Houston Christian shot 50 percent in the first half but cooled off in the second. The Huskies finished the game shooting 40 percent overall, while New Orleans shot 46 percent. The Privateers also controlled the boards, holding a 43–27 rebounding advantage and winning second-chance points 11–0.

Samuels led the Huskies with 20 points while hitting four three-pointers. Green added 13 points and four assists, and Bethea finished with 11 points. Bartley chipped in nine points, four rebounds, and three assists.

New Orleans was led by Jakevion Buckley and Coleton Benson, who each scored 14 points. MJ Thomas recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

The loss ended the Huskies’ season with a 12–20 record in their second year under head coach Craig Doty. Meanwhile, New Orleans improved to 15–17 and advanced to the tournament quarterfinals.

Lamar downs New Orleans 71-57 in SLC Tournament

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 11, 2024) In an electrifying quarterfinal showdown at the Legacy Center, Lamar University's basketball team emerged victorious, defeating the New Orleans Privateers with a final score of 71-57 at the Southland Conference Championship.

Junior standout Terry Anderson shone bright on the court, leading the charge with an impressive 20-point performance, showcasing his prowess as a key player for the Cardinals.

Throughout the game, Anderson found ample support from his teammates, notably sophomore Cody Pennebaker, who added 13 points to Lamar's tally. Together, they propelled the Cardinals to victory, shooting at a commendable 43 percent from the field.

One of the decisive factors in Lamar's triumph was their exceptional performance at the free throw line, where they converted an impressive 20 out of 21 attempts, demonstrating their precision and composure under pressure. Moreover, the Cardinals capitalized on their rebounding prowess, securing a five-rebound advantage over the Privateers, with 14 crucial offensive rebounds leading to 18 valuable second-chance points.

Despite a strong start from the New Orleans side, Lamar demonstrated resilience and determination, clawing their way back into the game after an initial deficit. The Cardinals' tenacious defense and strategic turnovers ultimately shifted the momentum in their favor, allowing them to seize control and build a substantial lead by halftime.

In the second half, although the Privateers attempted to mount a comeback on several occasions, Lamar's relentless offense and staunch defense proved too formidable to overcome. With less than 16 minutes remaining on the clock, UNO managed to narrow the gap, but Lamar responded swiftly, embarking on a decisive 14-8 run to secure a comfortable lead and clinch the victory.

Nicholls State overcomes New Orleans in close battle at SLC Championsip

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 11, 2024) In a thrilling showdown at the Southland Conference Tournament, the Nicholls State University women's basketball team showcased their prowess with a solid 73-66 triumph over New Orleans. The game was a rollercoaster ride, with the Colonels trailing at halftime but bouncing back with a vengeance in the second half.

Led by senior guard Kyla Hamilton (Sam Houston HS, Moss Bluff, LA), the Colonels turned up the heat when it mattered most. Hamilton's clutch performance included 18 points, with seven of those crucial points coming in the fourth quarter. She also played a pivotal role on defense, tallying four steals alongside her seven assists and six rebounds.

Mikayla Etienne (Ouachita Parish HS, Monroe, LA) proved to be a game-changer off the bench, lighting up the court with 19 points, including some impressive three-pointers. Lexi Alexander, an All-Southland second team member, delivered a stellar performance with 13 points and 10 rebounds, marking her seventh double-double of the season.

Deonna Brister also made her presence felt with 12 points in the second half, shooting a perfect 4-4 from the field. Her contributions on both ends of the court, including five rebounds and three steals, were instrumental in securing the victory for the Colonels.

Despite a valiant effort from New Orleans, led by Nora Francois and DeArica Pryor, who combined for 41 points, the Privateers couldn't withstand Nicholls State's relentless defense and efficient offense.

This win not only breaks a five-game losing streak against New Orleans but also marks Nicholls State's first postseason victory since 2021. 

New Orleans upsets Southeastern 78-66 in opening game of Southland Conference Tournament

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 10, 2024) In a thrilling upset, the No. 8 New Orleans Privateers defeated No. 5 Southeastern 78-66 in the first round of the 2024 Jersey Mike’s Southland Conference Men’s Basketball Championship. It was a game full of twists and turns, but ultimately, New Orleans emerged victorious.

Led by starting guard Jordan Johnson (University of Denver, Memphis, Tennessee, shown above) with an impressive 34-point performance, the Privateers showcased their skills on the court. This win means they advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face off against fourth-seeded Lamar.

Despite Southeastern's efforts, they couldn't overcome New Orleans' tenacity. Southeastern's starting forward Nick Caldwell (Dutchtown HS, Prairie, Louisiana) faced foul trouble throughout the game and eventually fouled out, limiting his impact on the court. Roger McFarlane (Dodge City JC, Fort Lauderdale, Florida) led the Lions with 18 points, but it wasn't enough to secure the win.

The game started with both teams trading runs, but it was New Orleans who finished the first half strong, taking the lead by the score of 39-33, and never trailed in the game. heir defense proved crucial, forcing Southeastern into numerous turnovers.

Though Southeastern made a late push, cutting the lead to eight points, Johnson and the Privateers responded with the determination they showed throughout the entire match, closing out the game with a 13-9 run.

Johnson's performance was exceptional, particularly his clutch three-pointer late in the game, which sealed the victory for New Orleans. 

HBU falls to New Orleans 81-65 in Southland Conference Tip-Off

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

KATY, TEXAS (January 7, 2021) Despite a strong comeback in the second half, the HBU Huskies dropped their second-round game in the Southland Conference Tip-Off Event by the score of 81-65 to the New Orleans Privateers.

The game, which is e Leonard E. Merrell Center in Katy, Texas saw the Huskies (4-7) shot 36% from the field, which was lower than their 42% prior to the match. Four Huskies
scored double figures; with Darius Lee leading the way with 18 points, followed by Zion Tordoff and Brycen Long (shown above) with 12 each. Rounding out the double-digit scorers was Khristion Courseault with 11. Lee also tallied eight rebounds.

The Privateers led the majority of the game with 38 minutes, 52 seconds of possession with three players scoring double figures; Derek St. Hilaire (17), Daniel Sackley (13), and Troy Green with 12. 

Next up for HBU is a 11 a.m. CT on Saturday (January 8) meeting with the loser of the Incarnate Word vs. Northwestern State, with the New Orleans facing the winner at 1:30 p.m. CT.

New Orleans knocks off Lamar 76-72 in SLC Tournament

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

KATY, TEXAS (March 14, 2019) The Lamar Cardinals battled back from a nine-point deficit at the 17:20 mark of the second half to cut the New Orleans lead to one with 59 seconds remaining in the game, but it was not enough. The No. 5 seeded Cardinals fell to the No. 4 Privateers 76-74 in the second round of the 2019 Southland Conference Men's Basketball Tournament in Katy, Texas. The crowd at the Merrell Center saw Lamar trailing by one with less than a minute to go when a three-point jumper by Bryson Robison sealed the deal and sent the Cardinals back to Beaumont. Lamar had won their last eight games, and finish the season with a 19-13 record.

On the other hand, New Orleans edged the Cardinals on second chance points (15-11), with most other stats being equal. Robinson lead the Privateers with 17 points, followed by Scott Plaisance with 16 and Jorge Rosa with 13. Plaisance also pulled down seven rebounds to lead his team. Nick Garth, who started at guard for Lamar tallied 28 points, shooting 8-of-16 from the field including 4-of-7 from the arc and 8-of-9 from the line.

Forward Josh Nzeakor accounted for 11 of Lamar's 37 rebounds, including seven of the Cardinals' 13 rebounds on offense. He also scored 12 points, to go along with the 14 points that Davion Buster chipped in off the bench. 

New Orleans will meet up with the No. 1 seeded Sam Houston State Bearkats on Friday, March 15 with a 5 p.m. CDT start. The game will be available for viewing on ESPN+.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi dominates New Orleans 69-47

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

KATY, TEXAS (March 14, 2019) No. 7 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi jumped out to a 38-17 lead at the half in route to a 69-47 win over No. 6 New Orleans in the first round of the 2019 Southland Conference Women's Basketball Tournament in Katy, Texas. The Islanders showed no mercy to the Privateers after falling to them by the score of 56-54 on February 16 in conference action. The Islanders had three players in double digits; forward Alexes Bryant (18 points), and guards Dae Dae Evans (12) and Emma Young (10). Forward Tiana Matthews tallied nine rebounds for TAMU-CC. Shania Woods carried the banner for the Privateers with 15 point and 13 rebounds.

The Islanders next opponent will be No. 3 Nicholls State on Friday, March 15 with a 1:30 p.m. CDT start. The Colonels finished the season with a 20-10 mark, along with a 14-4 conference record. They downed the Islanders 85-55 earlier in the season, in their only other match up of the season.

HBU outlasts New Orleans in 12 inning marathon game

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

SUGAR LAND, TEXAS (May 25, 2018) In a game that lasted four and one-half hours and 12 innings, the Houston Baptist University Huskies secured a 4-3 win over the New Orleans Privateers to stay alive in the Southland Conference Baseball Tournament at Constellation Field. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the 12th inning, left fielder Spencer Halloran was hit by a pitch and walked; allowing the winning run to score. After the fourth inning the score was tied at one, with HBU adding two runs in the fifth. New Orleans evened the score at three in the eighth. 

HBU designated hitter Jake Scott went 4-for-6 with one run while right fielder Matt Heck was 2-for-5 with one run. For the Privateers, catcher Beau Bratton was 2-for-4 with one run. They used seven pitchers in the losing effort, with Christopher DeMayo receiving the loss in one inning of work. Closer JT Newton pitched 4-1 innings in relief got the win, his third of the season.

The Huskies and Privateers will meet again on Saturday, May 26 at 1 p.m. with the winner advancing to the championship game at 6 p.m.

No. 8 New Orleans upsets No. 1 Sam Houston State at Southland Conference Tourney

Photo and story by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

SUGAR LAND, TEXAS (May 23, 2018) No. 8 New Orleans (shown right) tied the score at three in the eighth inning and scored the go-a-head run in the tenth to down No. 1 Sam Houston State by the score of 4-3 in day one action at the Southland Conference Baseball Tournament at Constellation Field. The Privateers became the first team since 2015 to be a No. 8 seed and upset the top seed. New Orleans scored the first run of the game when center fielder Orynn Veillon connected for a double to deep left field to score right fielder Pearce Howard from first base. The Bearkats responded in the bottom of the inning with two runs on hits by first baseman Hunter Hearn and right fielder Clayton Harp; scoring designated hitter Blake Chisolm and Hearn. They added their third run in the sixth, to increase their lead. Then with two outs in the top of the eight inning, Howard got a double and Veillon walked. Catcher Beau Bratton came to the plate and hit a triple down the right field line, scoring Howard and Veillon, to take a 4-3 lead; and the game.

Veillon and Howard both went 2-for-4 with two runs while Bratton was 2-for-5. John Barr, seeing two innings in relief, received hios sixth win of the season, with Brad Demco, pitching one inning is relief received the loss. The Privateers will face the winner of No. 4 Houston Baptist University and No. 5 Central Arkansas, while Sam Houston will play the loser.

Abilene Christian tops New Orleans 88-66 in SLC Tournament first round action

Story and Photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

KATY, TEXAS (March 8, 2018) In their first-ever Southland Conference tournament appearance, the No. 7 Abilene Christian Wildcats downed the No. 6 New Orleans Privateers by the score of 88-66 at the Merrell Center in Katy, Texas. The Wildcats dominated the second half, shooting 62% from the field while as and outscoring their Southland Conference opponent 58-37. Four wildcats scored in double-figures, combining for 72 of their 88 points.

Sophomore Breanna Wright (Jarrell HS, Jarrell, Texas) led the Wildcats with 23 points, followed by sophomore Dominique Golightly (Chickasha HS, Chickasha, Okla.) with 22, senior Sierra Allen (Highland HS, Roscoe, Texas) with 16 and junior Sara Williamson (Rockwell HS, Rowlett, Texas) with 11.

The game was close through the first 20 minutes. with the Wildcats holding a one point lead (30-29) at halftime. Then they kicked their offense into overdrive for a final push and a meeting with No. 3 Central Arkansas on Friday. Earlier in the season, the Bears downed Abilene Christian in two meetings. On January 20, Central Arkansas came out on top 63-45. In the second game, they also downed the Wildcats 73-61.

Starting guard Randi Brown scored 18 points for New Orleans, with Shania Woods adding 10.

HBU Huskies drop hard-fought contest to New Orleans

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 30, 2017) The HBU Huskies dropped a hard-fought 64-57 Southland Conference game to the New Orleans Privateers at Sharp Gymnasium in Houston on Saturday, December 31, 2017. The loss dropped the Huskies record to 4-11 for the season and 0-2 in conference play. Two Huskies scored in double-figures; Jalon Gates (20 points, shown right) and Ian Dubose (17 points). 

The Huskies were 21-of-58 from the field (36.2%) and 7-of-19 (36.8%) from three-point range. This was comparable to the Privateers' shooting (43.4% and 40.0%). The statistic that made the difference was free throw shooting. The Huskies were 8-of-18 (44.4%) while New Orleans was 14-of-18 (77.8%).  New Orleans. top scorers were forward Travin Thibodeaux scored 18 points with Scott Plaisance coming off the bench to score 10.

Next up for the Huskies is a 7 p.m. home match-up against the Nicholls Colonels on Saturday, January 6, 2018.