Incarnate Word Cardinals Set to Face UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros: A Matchup Preview
The Incarnate Word Cardinals (8-6, 3-2 Southland) will travel to Edinburg, Texas, to take on the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (5-9, 1-4 Southland) on Monday at 7:30 p.m. EST. This matchup marks the first encounter between the two teams in conference play this season.
Recent Performance Overview
The Cardinals are riding high after securing a 73-56 victory against the Houston Christian Huskies, largely thanks to a standout performance from Tahj Staveskie, who netted 27 points. This victory has helped place Incarnate Word second in the Southland Conference, showcasing their offensive strength with an impressive average of 82.1 points per game, while shooting 46.9% from the field.
Conversely, the Vaqueros have struggled recently, winning only three of their last ten games, marking a record of 3-7. In those matches, they have averaged 70.2 points, which is significantly lower than the Cardinals’ scoring prowess. UT Rio Grande Valley has a home record of 3-4 but faces challenges, having lost its only game this season decided by less than four points.
Key Matchup Statistics
Shooting Performance
- The Cardinals boast a higher shooting percentage at 46.9%, which is considerably above the 41.6% shooting average of their opponents this season.
- UT Rio Grande Valley relies heavily on its three-point shooting, averaging 9.3 made three-pointers per game, significantly outpacing the 6.3 three-pointers Incarnate Word allows.
Player Highlights
In the realm of individual performances, several players from both teams are making headlines:
- Tahj Staveskie: Averaging 18.4 points and 4.2 assists over the last ten games, he’s become a crucial component of the Cardinals’ offense.
- Davion Bailey: Contributing significantly with 22.1 points per game and demonstrating impressive shooting accuracy with 38.4% from beyond the arc.
- On the Vaqueros’ side, Koree Cotton is their leading scorer with 11.7 points per game, complemented by 5.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
Game Dynamics
As both teams prepare for this significant Southland Conference clash, the Cardinals will need to capitalize on their shooting efficiency while mitigating the long-range threats posed by the Vaqueros. Incarnate Word’s ability to control the tempo and prevent UT Rio Grande Valley from leveraging its three-point shooting will be crucial.
Recent Trends
- Vaqueros’ Last Ten Games: 3-7, averaging 70.2 points, 32.9 rebounds, and shooting 43.8% from the field.
- Cardinals’ Last Ten Games: 6-4, averaging 81.2 points, 32.0 rebounds, and shooting 47.0%.
Conclusion
With the Cardinals’ offensive firepower clashing against the Vaqueros’ perimeter shooting, Monday’s contest is sure to provide an exciting display of college basketball talent. As Incarnate Word looks to build momentum following their recent victory, the Vaqueros will be eager to turn their fortunes around on their home court.
For in-depth analyses and updates, you can check resources like Data Skrive and Sportradar.
Prepare for a thrilling game as the Incarnate Word Cardinals aim for another win against UT Rio Grande Valley!
