Privateers Match Up Versus Old Conference Foe in Denver

UNO Game Notes

NEW ORLEANS, La. – The New Orleans Privateers (1-2) look to bounce back on a short turnaround when facing an old familiar foe in the Denver Pioneers (2-2) on Sunday at Magness Arena. Tip is slated for 2 p.m.

The Privateers battled, but fell victim to a pair of big runs in an 87-65 loss to Texas A&M. Three players scored in double figures for New Orleans including Christavious Gill who had a team-high 16 points. New Orleans also hit 21-of-27 free throws and were only out-rebounded 36-35 by a bigger Aggies squad.

Colton Weisbrod has been efficient from the field in the early going for the Privateers. After a 6-for-8 day against Texas A&M, Weisbrod has now hit 12 field goals in 15 attempts over three games. Weisbrod had 12 points and four rebounds on Friday.

New Orleans was without Terrance Syon for much of the contest against the Aggies. After scoring 25 points in the first two contests, Syon got in early foul trouble and was only able to play nine minutes before fouling out. Syon was held to two points and one rebound on the day. Travin Thibodeaux and Kevin Hill were co-leaders for the Privateers in rebounds with six each against the Aggies.

New Orleans will be facing the Pioneers for the first time since both teams were a member of the Sun Belt. Denver won the last meeting 53-45 on Feb. 20, 2010 and has won three straight in the all-time series. The Privateers own the all-time series 20-7, but both teams have evenly split 12 career meetings in Denver.

The Pioneers, coached by Joe Scott, have alternated wins and losses in their first four games. Denver has triumphs over Idaho State and Coppin State, but have fallen to St. Mary's and in their most recent contest at Belmont. Both Pioneers wins have come at home. A season ago, Denver won nine of 13 games at Magness Arena.

Denver is led by Cam Griffin who averages 12.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game so far this season. Nate Engesser is also averaging double figures with 11.3 points per contest. Engesser had a career-high 26 points in the loss against Belmont. Brett Olson leads the team in minutes (36.5 per game) and assists (15 total).

Audio will be available for free on unoprivateers.com/watch with Jude Young on the call.