Incarnate Word Cardinals vs. UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Prediction and Betting Tips

The Incarnate Word Cardinals and the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros are set to clash in an exciting Southland Conference matchup on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the UTRGV Fieldhouse in Edinburg, Texas. With both teams looking to improve their standings in the conference, this game promises to be a thrilling encounter. In this article, we’ll dive into the latest odds, betting trends, key player matchups, and predictions to help you make informed decisions for this game.

Game Overview

• Date and Time: Monday, February 17, 2025, at 7:30 PM ET
• Location: UTRGV Fieldhouse, Edinburg, Texas
• TV and Streaming: ESPN+ (Regional restrictions may apply)
• Spread: UT Rio Grande Valley -3.5
• Over/Under: 147.5 points
• Moneyline: UT Rio Grande Valley -180, Incarnate Word +145

The Vaqueros enter this game as 3.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 147.5 points. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance this season, but consistency has been an issue. Let’s break down the key factors that could influence the outcome of this matchup.

Team Analysis

UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros

The Vaqueros (14-12, 6-9 Southland) have been a solid team at home, boasting a 10-3 record at UTRGV Fieldhouse. They average 77.1 points per game, ranking 100th in college basketball, and are known for their strong three-point shooting, hitting 10.6 threes per game (9th in the nation).

Key Players:

• Dekedran Thorn: Leading scorer with 11.9 points per game and a reliable three-point shooter (34.5% from beyond the arc).
• Howard Fleming Jr.: A versatile player averaging 11.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
• Cliff Davis: A sharpshooter who contributes 11.6 points per game and hits 36.2% of his three-point attempts.

The Vaqueros’ strength lies in their ability to distribute the ball, averaging 17.3 assists per game, which leads the Southland Conference. However, they’ve struggled with turnovers, averaging 12.7 per game, which could be a concern against a disciplined Incarnate Word defense.

Incarnate Word Cardinals

The Cardinals (12-14, 5-10 Southland) have had a tough season but remain competitive, especially on the road. They average 74.3 points per game and are led by their dynamic backcourt duo of Davion Bailey and Jalin Anderson.

Key Players:

• Davion Bailey: The team’s leading scorer with 17.0 points per game and a 39.2% three-point shooter.
• Jalin Anderson: A playmaker averaging 14.1 points and 4.8 assists per game.
• Jordan Pyke: A reliable forward contributing 10.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

The Cardinals’ defense has been their calling card, allowing just 69.6 points per game (110th in the nation). However, their rebounding has been a weakness, ranking 251st in the nation with 31.0 rebounds per game.

Betting Insights

Spread and Moneyline

• The Vaqueros are 12-10-0 against the spread (ATS) this season, including a 5-5 record when favored by 3.5 points or more.
• The Cardinals are 10-12-0 ATS, with a 5-4 record as 3.5-point underdogs.

The moneyline favors UT Rio Grande Valley at -180, implying a 64.3% chance of winning, while Incarnate Word sits at +145, giving them a 40.8% chance.

Over/Under

• The over/under for this game is set at 147.5 points.
• Both teams average a combined 151.4 points per game, which is 3.9 points higher than the total.
• UT Rio Grande Valley has hit the over in 13 of 22 games, while Incarnate Word has done so in 9 of 22 games.

Given the Vaqueros’ high-scoring offense and the Cardinals’ solid defense, this game could go either way in terms of the total points.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Davion Bailey vs. Cliff Davis: Bailey’s scoring prowess will be tested against Davis’s perimeter defense. If Bailey gets hot, the Cardinals could keep it close.
2. Rebounding Battle: The Vaqueros’ advantage on the boards (33.3 rebounds per game vs. 31.0 for the Cardinals) could be a deciding factor in controlling the tempo.
3. Turnovers: UT Rio Grande Valley’s tendency to turn the ball over (12.7 per game) could give Incarnate Word opportunities to score in transition.

Prediction

Final Score Prediction

• UT Rio Grande Valley 76, Incarnate Word 70

The Vaqueros’ home-court advantage and superior three-point shooting should give them the edge in this matchup. However, the Cardinals’ defense will keep them within striking distance, making the 3.5-point spread a close call.

Betting Tips

• Spread: UT Rio Grande Valley -3.5
• Over/Under: Under 147.5
• Moneyline: UT Rio Grande Valley -180

How to Watch

• TV: ESPN+
• Streaming: ESPN+ (Regional restrictions may apply)

Conclusion

The Incarnate Word Cardinals vs. UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros game is shaping up to be a competitive Southland Conference showdown. With both teams fighting for positioning in the standings, expect a hard-fought battle. Whether you’re betting or just tuning in, this game promises plenty of excitement.

For more college basketball predictions and betting tips, stay tuned to our latest updates!

Note: All odds and statistics are accurate as of February 16, 2025, and are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.