Preview: Texas-Rio Grande Valley at New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS (Interstat) — A pair of Southland Conference teams trending in opposite directions will meet Saturday when the Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros visit the New Orleans Privateers at Kiefer Lakefront Arena.

The Vaqueros (12-11, 7-3 Southland) enter on a five-game winning streak, their longest of the season. Their most recent victory was a 74-57 home win over Houston Christian on Monday, powered by 17 points from Filip Brankovic and a 10-point, six-assist effort from guard Jaylen Washington.

Washington has been a steady catalyst during the streak, averaging 11.2 points and 5.7 assists over the last six contests. UTRGV’s surge has moved them into the upper tier of the conference standings.

New Orleans (11-13, 5-5), however, has lost three of its last five and seeks consistency. The Privateers are coming off a high-scoring 94-85 road win at Texas A&M-Commerce on Monday, fueled by a career-high 34 points from guard Coleton Benson.

Benson has been a prolific scorer, averaging 22.4 points over his last eight games. His offensive output will be crucial for a Privateers squad that allows 77.1 points per game, the most in the Southland.

The teams last met on Dec. 29, 2025, in Edinburg, Texas, where New Orleans secured an 85-69 victory. Benson led all scorers in that game with 24 points.

Saturday’s matchup pits UTRGV’s recent defensive form — holding opponents to 62.8 points per game during their streak — against a New Orleans offense that has topped 85 points four times in conference play.

The game is scheduled for a 4:30 p.m. CST tipoff. Following this contest, UTRGV travels to face Nicholls State on Monday, while New Orleans hosts Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.