The Incarnate Word Cardinals will visit the Texas A&M-CC Islanders on March 4, 2024, following a strong performance from Jordan Pyke, who scored 33 points in a recent 106-93 loss to the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros. The game is set to tip off at 9 p.m. EST in Corpus Christi, Texas, marking the first meeting between these two teams in Southland Conference play this season.
Texas A&M-CC enters the matchup with a record of 12-10 overall and 8-5 in the Southland Conference. The Islanders have established a solid home court advantage, boasting a 7-3 record at home this season. Conversely, the Cardinals, with a record of 9-13 and 4-9 in conference play, are looking to improve their standing against Southland opponents.
Statistics reveal a competitive edge for Texas A&M-CC in this matchup. The Islanders are shooting 45.0% from the field, slightly lower than the 46.4% that Incarnate Word allows its opponents to shoot. Despite this, the Cardinals have a higher scoring average, putting up 76.7 points per game compared to the 67.0 points allowed by the Islanders.
Key Players to Watch
In addition to Pyke’s notable scoring, other players are contributing significantly to their teams. For Texas A&M-CC, Sheldon Williams is a key performer, averaging 11.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Nick Shogbonyo has also been effective, averaging 10.6 points over the last ten games.
On the other side, Tahj Staveskie has emerged as a crucial player for Incarnate Word, averaging 18.1 points and shooting 45.3% from the field. Additionally, Davion Bailey is contributing 12.8 points over the last ten games, making him another player to keep an eye on during this matchup.
Recent Performance Trends
Analyzing both teams’ recent performances offers insights into their current form. The Islanders have been relatively successful, going 7-3 in their last ten games. During this span, they averaged 69.4 points, alongside 29.9 rebounds, 11.1 assists, 7.7 steals, and 2.9 blocks per game. Their opponents have averaged 65.3 points.
In contrast, the Cardinals have struggled, posting a 3-7 record over the same period. They averaged 68.9 points while allowing 74.5 points from opponents. Their shooting percentage stands at 41.7%, indicating areas that require improvement as they head into this critical matchup.
As the Incarnate Word Cardinals and Texas A&M-CC Islanders prepare to clash, all eyes will be on the court to see if the Cardinals can capitalize on Pyke’s recent scoring surge and secure a much-needed victory in the Southland Conference standings.
