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..