Incarnate Word secured a hard-fought 76-74 win over Northwestern State at the McDermott Center, thanks in large part to Tahj Staveskie's impressive 23-point outing. The Cardinals' victory was fueled by a strong second-half performance, where they outscored the Demons 46-40. Staveskie's efforts were complemented by Love Bettis' 14 points and Jordan Pyke's 12 points and 6 rebounds, showcasing the team's depth and ability to distribute the scoring load.
Northwestern State got off to a strong start, taking a 34-30 lead into halftime. Izzy Miles led the charge for the Demons, finishing with 20 points, while Willie Williams added 18 points and 9 rebounds. Micah Thomas also made significant contributions, scoring 17 points for the visitors. Despite their solid performance, the Demons were unable to withstand Incarnate Word's second-half surge.
The Cardinals' ability to adjust and adapt in the second half proved crucial, as they managed to contain Northwestern State's offense and create scoring opportunities of their own. Staveskie's 6 rebounds were also instrumental in securing the win, as Incarnate Word fought to maintain possession and limit the Demons' chances.
The narrow margin of victory highlights the competitive nature of the matchup, with both teams giving it their all until the final whistle. Incarnate Word's win improves their record to 9-12, while Northwestern State falls to 6-14. Although this game was not expected to be a significant upset, the outcome still holds importance for both teams' tournament resumes.
As a Quadrant 4 game for both Incarnate Word and Northwestern State, the result will have a modest impact on their respective NET rankings. Incarnate Word's current NET ranking of 253 will likely see a slight adjustment, while Northwestern State's ranking of 299 may also be affected. While the win is not a marquee victory for Incarnate Word, it still represents a valuable addition to their resume, particularly given the competitive nature of the game.
In terms of tournament implications, this win does not significantly alter Incarnate Word's chances, but it does demonstrate their ability to perform under pressure and against comparable opponents. For Northwestern State, the loss is a missed opportunity to gain momentum and improve their standing. As the season progresses, both teams must focus on securing quality wins to bolster their tournament resumes. The outcome of this game serves as a reminder that every victory counts, and Incarnate Word's narrow win over Northwestern State will be an important factor in their pursuit of a strong season finish.