Butler jumped out early on New Orleans and kept their foot on the gas in taking a 79-53 win Saturday night at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Aaron Thompson and Bryce Nze each posted double-doubles as Butler moved to 2-0 on the season.

New Orleans, the preseason pick to win the Southland Conference title, is now 1-1.

Making their first four attempts from behind the arc, the Bulldogs jumped out to a 16-4 lead at the first media timeout. The lead had grown to 23-5 eight minutes into the contest.

Nze led all scorers with 18 points, adding 10 rebounds for his second double-double in as many games as a Bulldog. Thompson registered the second double-double of his career with 12 points and 10 assists.

The Bulldogs shot 48 percent from the field, including 9-of-19 from behind the arc.

"That's a good team we played tonight," said Butler coach LaVall Jordan. "They're a veteran group who is physical and applies pressure on defense. I was really pleased with a lot of what we did tonight. This group shows a willingness to be coached and to hold each other accountable on the court. That's been there from day one."

Butler handed out 18 assists on 29 made field goals, while committing only six turnovers. The Bulldogs converted 16 New Orleans turnovers into 23 points.

Citing a "unique week" that saw Butler down to six available players at the end of Wednesday's season-opening win over IUPUI, the Bulldogs had a few players return to action Saturday.

Kamar Baldwin, after playing just five minutes in the opener due to a rib cartilage injury, came off the bench to play 14 minutes Saturday. He had four points and two assists. Henry Baddley missed the opener, but had seven points and five rebounds Saturday.

Jordan Tucker, who also missed Wednesday's opener, had 15 points, while Sean McDermott added 13 points on 3-of-4 shooting from three-point range to go along with eight rebounds. McDermott had 26 points Wednesday.

New Orleans had three players in double figures, led by Damion Rosser's 13. The Privateers shot 43 percent from the field.

Up next for the Bulldogs is a Tuesday night match-up against Minnesota. The 8:30 p.m. tip is part of the Gavitt Tipoff Games, which annually pairs up teams from the BIG EAST and Big Ten Conferences. Tickets for the game at Hinkle Fieldhouse are still available.