The Incarnate Word Cardinals will challenge the Texas A&M-CC Islanders on January 15, 2024, at 9 p.m. EST in Corpus Christi, Texas. This matchup follows a remarkable performance by Cardinals’ player Jordan Pyke, who scored 33 points in a recent loss against the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros, where the final score was 106-93.
The Cardinals currently hold a record of 9-13 overall and 4-9 within the Southland Conference. In comparison, the Islanders stand at 12-10 overall and 8-5 in conference play. The Islanders have shown strong performance at home, winning 7 of 10 games played in Corpus Christi. Additionally, Texas A&M-CC has a 1-1 record in games decided by three points or fewer this season.
Despite their struggles, the Cardinals have managed to score an average of 76.7 points per game, which is significantly higher than the 67.0 points that the Islanders allow their opponents. This statistic highlights a potential area of contention for the Islanders as they prepare to defend against a high-scoring Cardinals team.
Key Player Performances
For the Islanders, Sheldon Williams has been a vital contributor, averaging 11.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Nick Shogbonyo has also been notable, averaging 10.6 points over the last ten games. On the opposite side, the Cardinals are led by Tahj Staveskie, who is shooting 45.3% and averaging 18.1 points per game. Additionally, Davion Bailey contributes with an average of 12.8 points over the same span.
In their last ten games, the Islanders have posted a record of 7-3, averaging 69.4 points, while shooting 45.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 65.3 points during that stretch. Conversely, the Cardinals have struggled, with a 3-7 record in their last ten games, averaging 68.9 points while shooting only 41.7%. Their opponents, meanwhile, have scored an average of 74.5 points per game against them.
As the teams prepare for their first meeting in Southland Conference play this season, the outcome will have implications for both teams’ standings and momentum heading into the latter part of the season. The matchup promises to be a compelling encounter as the Cardinals seek to capitalize on their scoring potential while the Islanders aim to protect their home court advantage.
