| MATCHUP | Incarnate Word Cardinals | Northwestern State Demons |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 11-17 | 9-19 |
| Spread | +2.5 -115 | -2.5 -105 |
| Moneyline | +120 | -142 |
| Total | Over 140.5 (-110) | Under 140.5 (-110) |
| Where | Prather Coliseum, Natchitoches, LA | |
| When | Monday, February 23, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:30 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The Incarnate Word Cardinals and the Northwestern State Demons meet Monday in college basketball action from Prather Coliseum in Natchitoches. Here’s an Incarnate Word vs Northwestern State prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Incarnate Word vs Northwestern State pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
Incarnate Word Cardinals Betting Preview
The Cardinals managed to post an 8-6 start to the year in their first 14 outings. Incarnate Word lost to UTRGV, Lamar, Stephen F. Austin, East Texas A&M, Texas A&M-CC, Houston Christian and UTRGV again in the next eight games. Following a victory over Texas A&M-CC and losses to McNeese, SE Louisiana, Nicholls and New Orleans, Incarnate Word had a 10-17 run through their first 27 games.
In the East Texas A&M matchup on Saturday the Cardinals were up by four points 43-39 going into the second half. Incarnate Word added a 39-34 run the rest of the way and powered out the nine-point victory in the end 82-73. Topping the scorers was Tahj Staveskie with 33 points, five assists and three rebounds. Davion Bailey was also in double-digits with 18 points and three assists alongside three steals.
Northwestern State Demons Betting Preview
Over on the Demons’ side, they could only manage six wins in their first 17 games out of the gate this season. Northwestern State lost to Incarnate Word, Houston Christian, Stephen F Austin, New Orleans, Nicholls, East Texas A&M (twice), and McNeese State over the next 10 games. Across the first 27 outings of the season that would give the Demons an 8-19 overall run in the books.
Matched up against Houston Christian on Saturday the Demons had a comfortable lead at halftime 37-25, then closed out the game on a 34-28 run on the way to a 71-53 victory on their home court. Leading the team in scoring was Micah Thomas with 23 points and one rebound with one assist. Izzy Miles added 17 points with five rebounds and one assist as well.
Incarnate Word Cardinals @ Northwestern State Demons Betting Trends: February 23, 2026
Why the Northwestern State Demons will win
- Northwestern State has won 11 of its last 12 night games against Incarnate Word.
- Incarnate Word has lost eight of its last nine night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Incarnate Word has lost the first half in five of its last six games at Prather Coliseum against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the Incarnate Word Cardinals will win
- Northwestern State has lost 13 of its last 15 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Incarnate Word vs Northwestern State Prediction
I’ll lean toward Northwestern State. The Demons took care of Houston Christian in their home victory this past week thanks to a nice 48.1 percent shooting and a 32-28 rebounding edge. Northwestern State is looking good over the last four games with a 3-1 run, scoring 69 or more points in each of those victories.
In their last meeting back on January 17, the Demons took a tough 76-74 loss on the road. In that matchup Northwestern State shot very well (53.2 percent) from the field but also got out-rebounded 27-21. The 22-of-25 (88 percent) performance from the free throw line helped carry the Cardinals to the win. I like a competitive game in the rematch as well.