The Northwestern State Demons (3-22, 0-14 SthLnd) clash with the Incarnate Word Cardinals (5-19, 0-14 SthLnd) look to snap their losing streaks when they square off at Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center. The Demons have lost 17 consecutive games, while the Cardinals have lost their last 16 games. Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 21, 2018.
Northwestern State Demons vs. Incarnate Word Cardinals Free Preview
The Demons lost to the Houston Baptist Huskies in their last contest, 77-70. With 21 points on 9-for-15 shooting, Ishmael Lane led Northwestern State in scoring. Houston Baptist had a much better free throw rate (0.164 vs. 0.033). Northwestern State, meanwhile, had an effective field goal percentage of 0.557 (above their season average of 0.440).
In the Cardinals’ last game, they were beaten by the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, 81-70. Shawn Johnson was the top scorer from either team with 23 points on 8-for-17 shooting. Stephen F. Austin’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over Incarnate Word. The Lumberjacks had a rate of 32.1 (below their season average of 34.4), while the Cardinals posted a mark of 21.9 (below their season average of 28.8).
The physical Incarnate Word offense could be living from the foul line in this battle. The Cardinals currently rank 14th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.302, while Northwestern
State ranks 268th in FTA rate allowed (0.265).
This is the first time these teams will battle this year. The Cardinals won the only contest played against each other last season, 84-80. Incarnate Word had a much better turnover percentage (11.4 vs. 20.0). Northwestern State, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.0 vs. 15.6).
Northwestern State Demons vs. Incarnate Word Cardinals Free Prediction
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Northwestern State, ATS Winner – Northwestern State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Cardinals rank 174th in assists allowed per game (14.0) while the Demons rank 240th (15.7).
- Incarnate Word ranks 277th in three pointers attempted per game (17.8) while Northwestern State ranks 299th (15.8).
- Northwestern State ranks 136th in rebounds per game (35.7) while Incarnate Word ranks 276th in rebounds allowed per game (38.7).
- The Cardinals average 5.1 blocks per game, which ranks 21st in the NCAA. The Demons rank 148th in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
- Incarnate Word ranks 141st in steals per game (6.0) while Northwestern State ranks 221st in steals allowed per game (8.4).
Bettings Trends:
- The Cardinals’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 13.6, up from 7.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Demons have scored an average of 64.2 points per game (0.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 82.0 points per game (2.4 above their season average).
