LAKE CHARLES, La.— Daniel Michelini-Jackson delivered a breakout performance Monday night, scoring a career-high 28 points to lead No. 4 seed Texas A&M–Corpus Christi to a 74–61 victory over No. 5 seed New Orleans in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Air Force Reserve Southland Conference Basketball Championships presented by the Louisiana Office of Tourism.

Michelini-Jackson, who entered the game averaging just 4.8 points per contest, erupted early and carried the Islanders offensively. The sophomore guard poured in 20 points in the first half as Texas A&M–Corpus Christi built a 37–30 lead at the break and maintained control throughout the second half. Texas A&M–Corpus Christi also controlled the glass, outrebounding the Privateers 41–29 and generating multiple second-chance opportunities throughout the night.

The Islanders shot 52.8 percent from the field and connected on 10 three-pointers while leading for more than 32 minutes in the contest.

Sheldon Williams added 15 points for Texas A&M–Corpus Christi, while D.A. Houston chipped in 11 points and six assists as the Islanders extended the lead to as many as 16 points in the opening half.

New Orleans (15–18) was led by MJ Thomas with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Coleton Benson scored 17 for the Privateers and TJ Cope added 14, who trimmed the deficit to one midway through the second half before Corpus Christi responded with a decisive run.

With the win, Texas A&M–Corpus Christi advances to the tournament semifinals for the first time since 2024. The Islanders last reached the Southland Conference championship game in 2023.

Texas A&M–Corpus Christi will face top-seeded Stephen F. Austin in the semifinals Tuesday at 6 p.m. CT on ESPNU.