As the college basketball season heats up, Incarnate Word is running out of time to build a respectable tournament resume, currently sitting with a 253 NET ranking and a lackluster quad record. A win against East Texas A&M, although a Quad 4 opponent, would be a step in the right direction. Incarnate Word's recent form has been inconsistent, with a win-loss-loss record in their last three games, but they'll look to bounce back at the McDermott Center.
East Texas A&M, meanwhile, is facing similar struggles, with a 273 NET ranking and a dismal record against top-tier opponents. Their quad record is equally underwhelming, with no wins in Q1 or Q2. Despite this, they're coming off a much-needed win in their last outing, which could provide a boost in confidence. However, the CHD Scout prediction favors Incarnate Word by 9.6 points, with an 80.8% win probability, suggesting that the home team's advantage will be too much to overcome.
CHD Scout Prediction
East Texas A&M
64
Incarnate Word
74
With neither team boasting a significant player momentum, this matchup will likely come down to which team can execute their game plan more effectively. Incarnate Word want to capitalize on their home-court advantage and push the pace against an East Texas A&M team that has struggled on the road. Given the prediction and the home team's edge, I expect Incarnate Word to come out on top, 74-64, and take a crucial step towards rebuilding their tournament hopes. The Cardinals' superior offense and home-court advantage should prove too much for the Lions to handle.