Northwestern State Edges Incarnate Word in Close Contest
Monday, February 23, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Prather Coliseum
Northwestern State Demons 54, Incarnate Word Cardinals 49, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Incarnate Word Cardinals vs Northwestern State Demons?
Northwestern State Demons beat Incarnate Word Cardinals 54-49 at Prather Coliseum on February 23, 2026.
Who was favored in Incarnate Word Cardinals vs Northwestern State Demons?
Northwestern State Demons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -125 (about 56% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested game, the Northwestern State Demons triumphed over the Incarnate Word Cardinals with a final score of 54-49 at Prather Coliseum. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it showcased two teams with similar records, both seeking to make a statement late in the season. Northwestern State ended the game with a home record of 10-19, while Incarnate Word finished with an away record of 11-18.
Both teams entered the game with contrasting recent forms. Northwestern State had a record of 3-6-1 over their last ten games, currently riding a one-game winning streak after defeating the Houston Christian Huskies 71-53 on February 21. Their average scoring during this stretch was 57.9 points per game, while they allowed an average of 59.3 points. In their last five games, they managed to score an average of 64.4 points and allowed 62.8 points.
On the other hand, Incarnate Word struggled recently, posting a record of 2-8 in their last ten games, although they too were on a one-game winning streak after beating East Texas A&M Lions 82-73 on February 21. Their average scoring during this period was higher than Northwestern State's at 72.3 points, but they also allowed a significantly higher average of 81.2 points. In their last five games, they averaged 71.0 points scored while allowing 79.4 points.
The matchup also highlighted the home advantage for Northwestern State, who had a home record of 2-3 in their last five games, in contrast to Incarnate Word's away record of 2-3 during the same span. This game was crucial for both teams, as they aimed to improve their standings and momentum as the season progressed.
In terms of previous meetings, Northwestern State held a slight edge with a 2-1 record against Incarnate Word in their last three encounters. Their last meeting on January 17, 2026, saw Northwestern State fall short with a score of 74-76. However, they had won the prior two matchups, including a decisive 73-57 victory at home on March 4, 2025.
Injury concerns were not highlighted in the provided information, suggesting both teams were likely at full strength for this important clash. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, favored Northwestern State with a spread of -1.5 and a total set at 138.5. The home moneyline was listed at -125.0, while Incarnate Word's moneyline was at 105.0.
The game conditions were not explicitly detailed, but the atmosphere at Prather Coliseum was likely charged, given the stakes for both teams. Viewers were treated to a closely fought battle, with the score remaining tight throughout. Key moments included scoring plays from both sides that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Micah Thomas made crucial free throws in the second half to help secure the victory for Northwestern State, while Harold Woods and Kordrick Turner contributed significantly to Incarnate Word's efforts.
Overall, the game was a demonstration of resilience and determination from both teams, with Northwestern State ultimately emerging victorious in a hard-fought contest.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NWST -1.5 | 138.5 o -112 / u -108 | Incarnate Word Cardinals +105 · Northwestern State Demons -125 |
Leaders
- PointsMicah Thomas18Northwestern State Demons
- AssistsChris Mubiru2Northwestern State Demons
- ReboundsChris Mubiru9Northwestern State Demons
- PointsDavion Bailey21Incarnate Word Cardinals
- AssistsDavion Bailey5Incarnate Word Cardinals
- ReboundsDavion Bailey10Incarnate Word Cardinals
Recent form
Northwestern State Demons
Last 10: 3-6-1Streak W157.9 scored · 59.3 allowed per game2-3 at home
- W71-53vs Houston Christian HuskiesFeb 21
- L64-75vs McNeese CowboysFeb 17
- W69-66vs SE Louisiana LionsFeb 14
- W70-68at Lamar CardinalsFeb 10
- L48-52at East Texas A&M LionsFeb 7
- L68-74vs East Texas A&M LionsFeb 5
- L58-61vs Nicholls ColonelsFeb 3
- L64-75at LSU New Orleans PrivateersJan 31
- L67-69at Stephen F. Austin LumberjacksJan 27
- D0-0vs East Texas A&M LionsJan 24
Incarnate Word Cardinals
Last 10: 2-8Streak W172.3 scored · 81.2 allowed per game2-3 away
- W82-73at East Texas A&M LionsFeb 21
- L64-78vs LSU New Orleans PrivateersFeb 17
- L83-91vs Nicholls ColonelsFeb 14
- L62-74at SE Louisiana LionsFeb 10
- L64-81at McNeese CowboysFeb 7
- W71-69at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi IslandersFeb 3
- L93-106vs UT Rio Grande Valley VaquerosJan 31
- L75-81at Houston Christian HuskiesJan 28
- L71-79vs Texas A&M-Corpus Christi IslandersJan 24
- L58-80vs East Texas A&M LionsJan 19
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen F. Austin | 28-6 | - | 20-2 |
| McNeese | 28-6 | 1 | 19-3 |
| UT Rio Grande Valley | 19-14 | 6 | 14-8 |
| Texas A&M-Corpus Christi | 18-15 | 7 | 13-9 |
| LSU New Orleans | 15-18 | 8 | 12-10 |
| Nicholls | 14-19 | 8 | 12-10 |
| Houston Christian | 12-20 | 12 | 8-14 |
| Northwestern State | 10-22 | 12 | 8-14 |
| Incarnate Word | 12-19 | 13 | 7-15 |
| Lamar | 12-19 | 13 | 7-15 |
| East Texas A&M | 11-21 | 14 | 6-16 |
| SE Louisiana | 9-22 | 14 | 6-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Incarnate Word Cardinals | Northwestern State Demons |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 17-51 | 18-49 |
| Field goal % | 33 | 37 |
| Three-pointers | 5-19 | 4-14 |
| Three-point % | 26 | 29 |
| Free throws | 10-15 | 14-19 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 26 |
| Assists | 8 | 7 |
| Steals | 7 | 2 |
| Blocks | 1 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 18 | 24 |
| Fouls | 16 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 11 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 44 | 43 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half20-18Davion Bailey makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 1st Half21-18Lewis Rowe makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half23-18Davion Bailey makes driving layup
- 2nd Half26-18Davion Bailey makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half28-18Davion Bailey makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half29-18Davion Bailey makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half29-20Willie Williams makes layup (CJ Larry assists)
- 2nd Half29-23Micah Thomas makes 25-foot three point jumper (Landyn Jumawan assists)
- 2nd Half29-26Micah Thomas makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half29-28Willie Williams makes layup
- 2nd Half31-28Love Bettis makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half31-30Willie Williams makes layup (CJ Larry assists)
- 2nd Half32-30Davion Bailey makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half33-30Davion Bailey makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half33-31Chris Mubiru makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half33-32Chris Mubiru makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half34-32Love Bettis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half35-32Love Bettis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half35-33Willie Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half35-35Micah Thomas makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half35-37Micah Thomas makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half36-37Davion Bailey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half36-39Micah Thomas makes 8-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half38-39Marcus Glover makes layup (Davion Bailey assists)
- 2nd Half38-42Chip Brunt makes 24-foot three point jumper (Chris Mubiru assists)
- 2nd Half38-44Micah Thomas makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half40-44Lewis Rowe makes layup (Davion Bailey assists)
- 2nd Half42-44Davion Bailey makes layup
- 2nd Half42-46Izzy Miles makes driving layup
- 2nd Half42-47Chip Brunt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-48Chip Brunt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-48Harold Woods makes layup (Davion Bailey assists)
- 2nd Half44-50Micah Thomas makes layup (Willie Williams assists)
- 2nd Half45-50Harold Woods makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-50Harold Woods makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-50Harold Woods makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tahj Staveskie assists)
- 2nd Half49-51Micah Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-52Micah Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-53Kordrick Turner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-54Kordrick Turner makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Northwestern State Demons, below favours Incarnate Word Cardinals.
Venue
- Prather ColiseumNatchitoches, LA
- Attendance601
- OfficialsBrent Dugas, Rob Rorke, Stephen Orkus Jr
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