Benson leads New Orleans against Incarnate Word after 26-point outing
After pouring in 26 points in an 85-76 setback to Houston Christian, Coleton Benson and New Orleans return to the Lakefront for a Southland test against Incarnate Word on Monday at 8 p.m. EST.
The Privateers (3-7, 0-1 Southland) are looking to steady the ship at home, where they’ve split their first two contests. The Cardinals (5-4, 1-1) make the trip aiming to build on a solid nonconference start and a balanced perimeter attack.
Why this matchup matters
Both programs rely heavily on guard play and the 3-point line, and each has shown that limiting mistakes swings outcomes. For New Orleans, controlling turnovers and unlocking Benson’s scoring gravity are pivotal. For Incarnate Word, perimeter volume and decision-making have been early-season separators.
Team tendencies
- New Orleans: Averages 13.7 turnovers per game and is 1-1 when it finishes with fewer giveaways than its opponent. From distance, the Privateers average 8.7 made threes per outing—outpacing what Incarnate Word typically allows (6.9).
- Incarnate Word: Sits at 1-1 in league play and turns it over just 9.8 times per game. When the Cardinals win the turnover battle, they’re 2-2, a sign that tempo and shot quality still determine their ceiling. They knock down 9.0 threes per game, slightly above what New Orleans usually concedes (8.1).
Who’s shaping the game
- Coleton Benson, G, New Orleans: Pacing the Privateers with 16.5 points per game while shooting 40.7%. His 26 against Houston Christian showcased his off-the-dribble range and knack for late-clock answers.
- Jakevion Buckley, G, New Orleans: Adds 13.3 points per contest and helps stretch defenses, giving Benson a secondary creator alongside him.
- Davion Bailey, G, Incarnate Word: The Cardinals’ top scorer at 19.5 points per game with 3.5 rebounds, Bailey thrives in space and fuels UIW’s perimeter-heavy approach.
- Tahj Staveskie, G, Incarnate Word: A dependable two-way presence at 18.0 points and 4.4 boards per game, he pressures the rim and keeps defenses honest beyond the arc.
Key battlegrounds
- Turnovers: New Orleans can’t afford empty trips against a UIW group that protects the ball. The team that wins possession count may dictate pace and shot volume.
- Perimeter defense: The Privateers’ 3-point production has been a bright spot, but the Cardinals answer with similar firepower. Rotations and closeouts will be under the microscope.
- Late-game shot creation: If this stays tight, Benson’s scoring punch and UIW’s Bailey/Staveskie one-two combo could decide it in the final minutes.
Fast facts
- New Orleans is 1-1 at home this season.
- The Privateers average 8.7 made threes per game; Incarnate Word typically allows 6.9.
- Incarnate Word averages 9.0 made threes per game; New Orleans usually allows 8.1.
- UIW averages just 9.8 turnovers per game; UNO sits at 13.7.
- First meeting between these programs in conference play this season.
Outlook
Expect a guard-driven, perimeter-centric contest with momentum swings coming from turnover runs and hot shooting stretches. If Benson finds rhythm early and the Privateers value possessions, New Orleans can leverage home court to tilt the balance. But if the Cardinals’ trio of ballhandlers keeps turnovers down and the threes fall at their usual clip, Incarnate Word has the tools to steal one on the road.
Tip-off is set for Monday at 8 p.m. EST in New Orleans.
