Wednesday, March 5th, 8:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Human Performance Center (2,000) -- New Orleans, Louisiana. Television: None. Home Record: Denver 9-3, New Orleans 7-7. Away Record: Denver 0-15, New Orleans 9-4. Neutral Record: Denver 2-0, New Orleans 2-1. Conference Record: Denver 7-11, New Orleans 8-10. Series Record: New Orleans leads, 17-5.

GAME NOTES: First round action in the Sun Belt will take place this evening at the Human Performance Center when the eighth-seeded New Orleans Privateers host the ninth-seeded Denver Pioneers. The Pioneers come into the postseason on a low note, as the team has lost its last six matchups. The current skid dropped Denver's league mark to a mere 7-11 record. Denver has been atrocious on the road this season, losing all 15 matchups away from home. As for the Privateers, they lost three of their last four games, including two straight to close out the regular season. New Orleans has surprisingly struggled at home this year, posting an even 7-7 mark at the Human Performance Center. In terms of the all- time series between the two schools, the Privateers have won 17 of the 22 meetings, including both matchups this year.

The Pioneers have had virtually no success offensively, as the team is currently producing just 56.5 ppg. Adam Tanner is the only player netting double figures, as the center is putting up 11.0 ppg, while also pacing the team with 82 assists. The offensive woes continued in a loss to UL-Lafayette this past weekend, as the squad scored just 51 points in seven-point setback. Denver shot 51.3 percent from the floor, but made just 5-of-13 three-point attempts and committed 19 turnovers. Rob Lewis led the way with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Joe Jackson tallied 10 points. As for Tanner, he chipped in nine points and pulled down seven caroms, but committed five turnovers.

The Privateers will go as far as Bo McCalebb takes them. The guard, which was named Sun Belt Player of the Year this past season, earned another honor this season, as he was named Defensive Player of the Year in the SBC. McCalebb is averaging a whopping 23.2 ppg, but is also posting 4.6 rpg to go along with 92 assists and an outstanding 72 steals. Kyndall Dykes is the only other player netting double figures for New Orleans, as the forward is chipping in 13.6 ppg to go along with 5.4 rpg. As a team, the Privateers have been decent at the offensive end, netting 73.7 ppg, while shooting 45.0 percent from the floor.

The Privateers defeated Denver twice this season and should have no trouble grabbing another win over the Pioneers. Expect McCalebb to have a huge night, as he leads New Orleans into the next round.

Predicted Outcome

New Orleans 76, Denver 59