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January 17, 2026
McDermott Center
Pre-Game Analysis

Preview: N'Western St at Incarnate Word

Incarnate Word Visits N'Western St: A Battle of Strengths

The stage is set for an intriguing matchup between Incarnate Word and N'Western State, two teams known for their gritty defensive prowess and potent offense. The Aztecs will look to extend their winning streak behind the leadership of Davion Bailey (20.5 PPG), while the Demons will rely on Micah Thomas's (16.5 PPG) scoring ability to propel them to victory.

As these two teams prepare to clash, it's clear that bench production will be a crucial factor in determining the outcome. Incarnate Word's bench has been a game-changer in recent games, with players like Tahj Staveskie and Harold Woods contributing significantly to their team's success. On the other hand, N'Western State's bench has struggled to find consistency, making this matchup an intriguing test of each team's ability to overcome adversity.

The Demons have shown flashes of brilliance on both ends of the court, with Chris Mubiru providing a spark off the bench and Willie Williams anchoring their front line. However, N'Western State will need to find ways to contain Bailey and limit Incarnate Word's scoring opportunities if they hope to emerge victorious.

As these two teams prepare for battle, one thing is clear: this matchup has all the makings of a classic game. With both teams boasting strong defensive records and potent offenses, the stage is set for an instant classic. Will Incarnate Word's bench be able to outproduce N'Western State's, or will Micah Thomas's scoring ability prove too much for the Demons to handle? One thing is certain: fans are in for a treat.

Recent Form:

Incarnate Word: 3-2 (Lamar, UT Rio Grande, Hou Christian, SE Louisiana, N Arizona)

N'Western St: 2-3 (Texas A&M-CC, Nicholls, New Orleans, SF Austin, Lamar)

Key Matchups:

* Davion Bailey vs. Micah Thomas: This battle between two of the top scorers in the league promises to be a thrilling one.

* Tahj Staveskie vs. Willie Williams: The Aztecs' bench will need to outperform N'Western State's if they hope to secure an upset.

* Incarnate Word's Bench vs. N'Western State's Bench: This matchup could make or break the game, as both teams look to find a spark on the second unit.

X-Factor:

Bench production will be the difference-maker in this one. Can Incarnate Word's bench outscore N'Western State's and secure an upset?

Generated by AI 385 words 1.9 min read
Tags: Incarnate Word N'Western St college basketball

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