Incarnate Word Edges Northwestern State in Close Contest
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 5:00 PM ET · McDermott Center
Incarnate Word Cardinals 76, Northwestern State Demons 74, 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 Northwestern State Demons vs Incarnate Word Cardinals?
Incarnate Word Cardinals beat Northwestern State Demons 76-74 at McDermott Center on January 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Northwestern State Demons vs Incarnate Word Cardinals?
Incarnate Word Cardinals were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -425 (about 81% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup, the Incarnate Word Cardinals narrowly defeated the Northwestern State Demons with a final score of 76-74 at the McDermott Center. This game was particularly significant as it marked a crucial victory for the Cardinals, who had been struggling with a three-game losing streak prior to this win.
The Cardinals entered the game with a home record of 9-9 and a recent form of 4-6 over their last ten games. They had been averaging 69.2 points scored while allowing 68.5 points in that span. Their last five games had seen them average 63.2 points scored and 65.0 points allowed, indicating a dip in offensive production. In contrast, the Demons had a record of 6-12 and were 5-5 in their last ten games, averaging 72.2 points scored and allowing 72.7 points. They came into this contest riding a two-game winning streak, having averaged 70.6 points scored and 71.4 points allowed in their last five outings.
The game was tightly contested throughout, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. The Cardinals had previously faced the Demons twice in the 2025 season, losing both encounters. In their last meeting on March 4, 2025, the Cardinals lost 57-73, and earlier that season, they fell 70-72 at home. This victory not only broke their losing streak but also marked their first win against Northwestern State in three attempts.
In terms of home and away performance, the Cardinals had a strong home record of 4-0 in their last four games, while the Demons had struggled on the road, with a 1-3 record in their last four away games. The Cardinals were expected to perform well at home, as reflected in the betting lines from DraftKings, which had the Cardinals favored by 8.5 points. The total points line was set at 141.5, with the over at -115.0 and the under at -105.0, indicating a relatively balanced expectation for scoring.
The game conditions were conducive to a competitive atmosphere, and fans witnessed a back-and-forth battle that kept them on the edge of their seats. Key moments in the second half included a series of free throws and critical shots that ultimately determined the outcome. Notably, Tahj Staveskie played a pivotal role for the Cardinals, making crucial free throws that helped seal the victory. His performance in the closing moments was instrumental, as he converted two free throws that brought the score to 76-74, allowing the Cardinals to hold on for the win.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams had been managing their rosters as the season progressed. The absence of key players can often influence the dynamics of such close games, though the report does not specify any current injuries affecting either team.
Overall, this matchup showcased the resilience of the Incarnate Word Cardinals as they fought hard to secure a much-needed victory at home against the Northwestern State Demons. The game highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams and set the stage for future encounters.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UIW -8.5 | 141.5 o -115 / u -105 | Northwestern State Demons +330 · Incarnate Word Cardinals -425 |
Leaders
- PointsTahj Staveskie23Incarnate Word Cardinals
- AssistsTahj Staveskie4Incarnate Word Cardinals
- ReboundsTahj Staveskie6Incarnate Word Cardinals
- PointsIzzy Miles20Northwestern State Demons
- AssistsMicah Thomas4Northwestern State Demons
- ReboundsWillie Williams9Northwestern State Demons
Recent form
Incarnate Word Cardinals
Last 10: 4-6Streak L369.2 scored · 68.5 allowed per game4-0 at home
- L46-56at Stephen F. Austin LumberjacksJan 13
- L51-63at Lamar CardinalsJan 11
- L67-80at UT Rio Grande Valley VaquerosJan 6
- W73-56vs Houston Christian HuskiesJan 3
- W79-70vs SE Louisiana LionsDec 30
- W90-66vs Northern Arizona LumberjacksDec 21
- L65-69at TCU Horned FrogsDec 16
- L83-84at LSU New Orleans PrivateersDec 9
- L67-74at Nicholls ColonelsDec 6
- W71-67vs McNeese CowboysDec 2
Northwestern State Demons
Last 10: 5-5Streak W272.2 scored · 72.7 allowed per game1-3 away
- W64-63vs UT Rio Grande Valley VaquerosJan 13
- W79-78vs Texas A&M-Corpus Christi IslandersJan 10
- L72-74at Nicholls ColonelsJan 6
- W74-68vs LSU New Orleans PrivateersJan 3
- L64-74vs Stephen F. Austin LumberjacksDec 31
- L61-76vs Lamar CardinalsDec 30
- W108-55vs Southern New Orleans KnightsDec 20
- L70-79at California Golden BearsDec 13
- W76-68at SE Louisiana LionsDec 7
- L54-92at McNeese CowboysDec 6
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 | Northwestern State Demons | Incarnate Word Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-47 | 23-49 |
| Field goal % | 53 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 5-16 | 8-19 |
| Three-point % | 31 | 42 |
| Free throws | 19-25 | 22-25 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 88 |
| Rebounds | 23 | 28 |
| Offensive rebounds | 5 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 18 | 19 |
| Assists | 12 | 10 |
| Steals | 7 | 6 |
| Blocks | 1 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 22 |
| Fouls | 20 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 13 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 80 | 14 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half50-42J.C. Riley Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-42J.C. Riley Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-42Chris Mubiru makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-42Chris Mubiru makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-44Jayden Williams makes 4-foot alley oop dunk (Tahj Staveskie assists)
- 2nd Half54-44Izzy Miles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-45Tahj Staveskie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-46Tahj Staveskie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-46Landyn Jumawan makes 26-foot three point jumper (Justin Redmond assists)
- 2nd Half59-46Izzy Miles makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Justin Redmond assists)
- 2nd Half59-47Jordan Pyke makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-48Jordan Pyke makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-50Love Bettis makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half60-50Willie Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-52Tahj Staveskie makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half60-53Tahj Staveskie makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half62-53Willie Williams makes layup (Micah Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half62-54Jordan Pyke makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-55Jordan Pyke makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-58Love Bettis makes 30-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half63-58Micah Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-58Micah Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-60Tahj Staveskie makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half66-60Micah Thomas makes 8-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half66-63Tahj Staveskie makes 28-foot three point jumper (Jordan Pyke assists)
- 2nd Half67-63Micah Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-63Micah Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-65Lewis Rowe makes layup
- 2nd Half69-65Chris Mubiru makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-65Chris Mubiru makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-67Jordan Pyke makes 5-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half70-68Tahj Staveskie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-69Tahj Staveskie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-69Izzy Miles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-69Izzy Miles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-71Tahj Staveskie makes 9-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half74-71Micah Thomas makes driving layup
- 2nd Half74-74Jordan Pyke makes 29-foot three point jumper (Tahj Staveskie assists)
- 2nd Half74-75Tahj Staveskie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-76Tahj Staveskie makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Incarnate Word Cardinals, below favours Northwestern State Demons.
Venue
- McDermott CenterSan Antonio, TX
- OfficialsThomas Northcutt, Raymond Tate, David Howard
Elsewhere
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- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond