LAKE CHARLES, La. — No. 5 seed New Orleans pulled away in the second half to defeat No. 8 seed Houston Christian 73–60 on Sunday in the opening round of the 2026 Air Force Reserve Southland Conference Basketball Championships presented by the Louisiana Office of Tourism.

The Privateers (15–17) earned their first tournament victory since 2024, the last time New Orleans appeared in the event, while the Huskies (12–20) dropped their second consecutive tournament game dating back to last season.

New Orleans broke open a tightly contested game early in the second half. After leading 34–33 at the break, the Privateers used a decisive run to build separation and eventually stretched the margin to as many as 18 points with 7:32 remaining.

Coleton Benson and Jakevion Buckley each scored 14 points to lead the Privateers. Buckley also added six assists, while MJ Thomas contributed 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Houston Christian was led by D’Aundre Samuels with 20 points.

New Orleans shot 45.5 percent from the field and outrebounded the Huskies 43–27.

With the win, New Orleans advances to face No. 4 seed Texas A&M–Corpus Christi in the quarterfinals Monday at 5 p.m. The game will stream on ESPN+.