GAME NOTES: The New Orleans Privateers will try to return to the win column when they battle the Florida Atlantic Owls this evening in a Sun Belt Conference showdown at FAU Arena. The Privateers have dropped their last two contests, with the most recent loss coming this past Sunday, as the team was defeated by FIU, 75-62. It was just the second road loss of the season for UNO, which is now just 4-5 in Sun Belt action. As for the Owls, they had their small two-game winning streak snapped with a tough, 80-76 setback to Arkansas-Little Rock this past Sunday. FAU is just 7-14 overall on the season, but five of those victories have come at the FAU Arena. This will be the third ever meeting between the two schools on the hardwood. FAU has won the two previous matchups, including a 98-77 victory over the Privateers this past February.

It is no secret that the Privateers rely heavily on the skills of Bo McCalebb. The veteran guard is clearly one of the top players in the Sun Belt Conference and is currently leading New Orleans with an impressive 22.3 ppg. On top of that, McCalebb also is grabbing 4.0 rpg and is leading the team with 51 steals. Kyndall Dykes is the only other player that is producing double figures for New Orleans, as the forward is chipping in 13.3 ppg to go along with a team- best 5.6 rpg. The last time the Privateers were on the court the team suffered offensively, shooting just 39.7 percent from the field, while netting 6-of-19 shots from behind the arc. The lackluster offensive effort led to a terrible 13-point loss to Florida International. McCalebb led the way in the setback with 24 points, five assists and five steals. Shaun Reynolds added 12 points, while James Parlow chipped in 10 points. Although New Orleans has struggled over the past two games, the team is still producing a solid 74.5 ppg.

The Owls have been a tad inconsistent offensively this season, which is why the squad is just 7-14 on the year. FAU comes into this matchup averaging just 66.1 ppg, while shooting 44.0 percent from the field. Carlos Monroe has been the top option for FAU, as the forward is leading the team with 16.6 ppg to go along with a team-high 9.4 rpg. Paul Graham III has only played 12 games this season, but when the guard has been on the floor, he has contributed by netting 12.8 ppg. The last time FAU was on the court the team scored 76 points, but still fell to Arkansas-Little Rock by a four-point margin. Carderro Nwoji had a sensational showing in the loss, as the guard tallied 17 points to go along with seven rebounds and six assists. Derrick Simmons added 12 points, while Monroe and Graham both chipped in 11 points apiece.

The Owls are sometimes inconsistent offensively, but always struggle at the defensive end of the floor, and that is not a good combination, especially when pitted against McCalebb and company. Look for the Privateers to return to the win column this evening.