News Summary
The New Orleans Privateers began their basketball season with a convincing 89-76 win against the Sacramento State Hornets, driven by Jakevion Buckley’s 25-point performance. The game showcased the team’s depth with significant contributions from Coleton Benson and MJ Thomas, as well as a strong defensive effort in the second half. The Privateers outscored the Hornets in crucial areas, including rebounding and points in the paint. Looking ahead, the team prepares for a challenging match against TCU.
New Orleans – The New Orleans Privateers kicked off their basketball season with a strong performance, securing an 89-76 victory against the Sacramento State Hornets on Saturday afternoon. The game, attended by over 1,800 fans, showcased the impressive debut of Jakevion Buckley, who led the Privateers with a game-high 25 points.
In his first appearance as a Privateer, Buckley displayed exceptional skill, shooting 7-of-11 from the floor and making 10 free throws. Alongside his scoring prowess, he contributed significantly to the team’s playmaking with eight assists during the contest. Buckley’s efforts proved crucial as the Privateers aimed to establish momentum for the season.
Coleton Benson, a transfer from Texas State, also had a noteworthy performance, contributing 14 points with a shooting performance that included four of nine from beyond the arc in 28 minutes of play. The Privateers displayed their three-point shooting depth, with five players managing to score from long range throughout the game.
New Orleans‘ defense significantly improved in the second half, effectively shutting down Sacramento State’s offensive efforts. The Hornets managed to make only 10 of 29 shots in the latter half and were a mere 1 of 13 from three-point range, further emphasizing the Privateers’ defensive prowess. In terms of rebounding, New Orleans outperformed Sacramento State 28-17 in the second half, resulting in an overall rebounding margin of 42-35.
In the paint, the Privateers outscored their opponents 38-34, showcasing their dominance near the basket. The bench also played a significant role in the victory, outscoring Sacramento State’s bench by a remarkable 40-16 overall, including a substantial 19-3 advantage in the second half. MJ Thomas made a strong contribution, going 5-of-5 from the field, adding 17 points, and securing a team-high 10 rebounds in just 15 minutes of play.
TJ Cope and William Patterson contributed with eight points each, both shooting an impressive 4-for-4 from the floor. Cope particularly had an electrifying game, highlighted by multiple dunks, including a spectacular two-handed dunk over Arman Madi and a one-handed finish that thrilled the crowd.
On the other side, Sacramento State was led by Jeremiah Cherry, who scored 23 points on 11-of-21 shooting. Prophet Johnson provided support with a team-high nine rebounds, though the Hornets struggled to match the Privateers’ intensity during crucial moments of the game.
Looking ahead, the New Orleans Privateers will face a challenging matchup in their regular season opener against TCU on November 3. The game is set to tip off at 7 p.m. CT and will be available for viewing on ESPN+ and locally on Heaven 106.1 FM.
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