Incarnate Word Cardinals vs. UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros: A Closer Look at the Upcoming Southland Showdown
Game Overview
This Saturday at 2 p.m. EST in San Antonio, the Incarnate Word Cardinals (10-9, 8-4 Southland) will take on the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (12-9, 9-3 Southland). This matchup marks an essential moment in the Southland Conference as both teams are performing well this season.
Recent Performances
The Cardinals are coming off a tough loss against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, where Jorja Elliott led the team with a stellar performance, scoring 24 points in a 70-64 defeat. Despite this setback, Incarnate Word has shown resilience at home, boasting a record of 7-2 in their arena. However, their record deteriorates against teams with winning records, standing at 4-7 against opponents over .500.
On the other hand, the Vaqueros are enjoying a successful period, holding a 9-3 record in Southland play. They currently stand third in the conference, averaging 14.0 assists per game. Jalayah Ingram has been a standout player for the Vaqueros, averaging an impressive 17.2 points and 3.5 assists per game.
Head-to-Head Stats
In terms of scoring, the Cardinals average 64.7 points per game, slightly less than the 65.6 points the Vaqueros allow. Conversely, UT Rio Grande Valley scores an average of 65.1 points, while Incarnate Word has a higher points-per-game average of 69.6. The upcoming match will be the first meeting between these two teams in the current conference season.
Top Players to Watch
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Jorja Elliott (Incarnate Word): Averaging 11.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. Elliott’s ability to score and contribute on both ends of the court makes her a key player for the Cardinals.
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Madison Cockrell (Incarnate Word): With an average of 12.7 points and 2.3 rebounds in the last ten games, Cockrell’s shooting accuracy of 44.9% is notable, particularly in crucial match situations.
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Jalayah Ingram (UT Rio Grande Valley): An offensive powerhouse, Ingram is contributing 17.2 points per game alongside 6.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals, making her one of the standout performers in the Southland Conference.
- Charlotte O’Keefe (UT Rio Grande Valley): O’Keefe has been a reliable player, contributing an average of 10.6 points in the last ten games.
Recent Trends
Cardinals’ Performance
In their last ten outings, the Cardinals hold a 6-4 record, averaging 66.4 points, 32.7 rebounds, and 10.8 assists per game. They have shown strong defensive effort, allowing opponents to score an average of 66.2 points per game while shooting 38.4% from the field.
Vaqueros’ Performance
The Vaqueros are faring even better, boasting an 8-2 record in their last ten matchups. Their strategy has been effective, averaging 64.3 points per game but more impressively securing 39.0 rebounds and 14.0 assists. The team’s defense has been particularly effective, holding opponents to an average of 58.2 points per game.
Conclusion
With both teams aiming for a higher standing in the Southland Conference, this upcoming clash between the Incarnate Word Cardinals and the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros promises to be action-packed. Fans and analysts will be keenly observing how the top performers will influence the game’s outcome. As the rivalry heats up, this matchup will likely set the tone for the remainder of the season.
For more information about the Southland Conference teams and upcoming games, visit the Southland Conference official site.
Stay tuned for the exciting game this Saturday, as both teams hope to secure a crucial victory in their conference journey!
