2023-11-17 21:02:06
Story Links
NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans men’s basketball preps for its first nonconference road test in the “the windy city” against Loyola Chicago Saturday, November 18, at Gentile Arena. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the home of Privateers Sports NASH 106.1 FM with the Voice of the Privateers Jude Young calling the action. In addition to looking for their first road win of the season, the Privateers will visit the the Willis Tower (originally the Sears Tower) and watch the Chicago Bulls take on the Miami Heat Saturday night.
GET YOUR TICKETS
The Privateers will host Belhaven for their next home contest on Tuesday, December 5 at 6:30 p.m. on the Lakefront. Fans can purchase tickets now by visiting unoprivateer.com/tickets.
PREVIEW
New Orleans is 2-0 on the season for the first time since 2008 after another high-scoring 106-69 victory over SUNO during homecoming. The Privateers built an early lead in the first half (55-32) that saw Jordan Johnson with 17 points and six assists. He finished as Player of the Game with a team-high of 21 points, eight assists, three rebounds and four steals. Jah Short also saw his first collegiate double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Both Johnson and Short have scored consecutively in double-figures. Jamond Vincent added 13 points and five rebounds while James Glisson III finished with 11 points and four rebounds.
For the first time since 1982 and only the second time in program history, New Orleans has scored 100+ points in back-to-back contest. The Privateers are currently tied with Alabama for fourth in the nation in scoring offense (103 ppg) behind Eastern Kentucky, UTEP, and Gonzaga. They also rank fifth in free throws made per game at 24. So far, five Privateers have scored in double-figures over two contests, and thirteen out of the sixteen-man roster have scored. Against SUNO, New Orleans shot 82.6% from the foul line at 19-of-23, and six Privateers shot perfectly. New Orleans allows opponents 69.5 points per game and defends the ball effectively racking up 12 steals per game. Thirteen-year Head Coach Mark Slessinger holds a 163-199 (.450) record and is 2-0 to start the season for the first time in his career as a head coach.
CHICAGO TIES
Senior Khaleb Wilson-Rouse and sophomore Mason Jones will have the opportunity to play among friends and family as both were born and raised in Chicago. The last time New Orleans was in Chicago was November 16, 2021 when the Privateers faced Northwestern at the Welsh-Ryan Arena.
SCOUTING THE RAMBLERS
In their second week of competition, Loyola Chicago dropped to 1-2 on the season after a 72-67 home loss to UIC Tuesday, Nov. 14. Loyola Chicago had a pair in double-figures. Des Watson led the way with 13 points. Behind Watson, was Braden Norris who recorded 12 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Loyola reached a season-high 23-of-25 from the foul-line and forced 16 turnovers. Over three contests, the Ramblers are scoring 72.7 points and allowing 70 points per game. Head coach Drew Valentine is in his third season at the helm. He holds a 36-31 overall career record. The Ramblers opened the season against No. 10 FAU in the Barstool Sports Invitational, and the Owls edged Loyola for a 75-62 win. Loyola recorded their sole win (85-69) in their home-opener against Eastern Illinois led by Des Watson who poured in a career-high 24 points.
SERIES WITH THE RAMBLERS
The series dates back to 1985, and New Orleans looks to keep the streak going and improve its record to 2-1 against Loyola having not faced the Ramblers since Dec. 3, 1985. The Privateers won in Chicago 95-84 after dropping their first ever meeting 101-85 March 1, 1985, at home. This will be the first ever meeting between head coaches Slessinger and Valentine.
NEXT UP
After Saturday’s game, the Privateers will prepare for Oklahoma State Monday, November 20 at Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, Okla. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow @PrivateersHoops on Twitter, @PrivateersMBB on Instagram, like /PrivateersMBB on Facebook and subscribe to the PrivateerAthletics YouTube channel.
WE ARE YOUR KREWE
For 54 seasons, Privateer student-athletes have had the unique experience of wearing New Orleans across their chests. Like the city itself, our sports teams have been fueled by resiliency, grit, and the unquenchable desire to win. Our city also houses the nation’s biggest celebration each year. And much like a Mardi Gras parade krewe, we are tethered to our community through pride, tradition, a culture of acceptance, and finally our commitment to show that New Orleans is a world-class city to live, learn, play and work. We invite you to become more involved with the only University that truly represents New Orleans all day, every day. Join #NOLAsTeam, We Are Your Krewe!
1700255272
#Privateers #Loyola #Chicago #Road #Test