Cardinals Clash in Southland Showdown as Lamar Hosts Incarnate Word

BEAUMONT, Texas (Interstat) — A pivotal early Southland Conference matchup unfolds Saturday when the Lamar Cardinals host the Incarnate Word Cardinals at the Montagne Center.

Both teams enter with identical 1-1 conference records and seek momentum in a league race where every win is critical. Incarnate Word (8-7 overall) aims to bounce back from a 67-80 road loss at Texas-Rio Grande Valley on Monday. Lamar (7-8 overall) looks to snap a two-game skid after falling 52-60 at Southeastern Louisiana, also on Monday.

The game features two of the league’s top scorers in a compelling backcourt duel. Incarnate Word is powered by guard Tahj Staveskie, who is averaging 18.4 points per game in his last five outings. He erupted for 27 points in a win over Houston Christian on Jan. 3 and followed with 21 points and four assists in the loss to UTRGV.

Lamar will counter with guard Andrew Holifield, who has been a consistent offensive force. He scored 21 points at McNeese State on Jan. 2 and posted 17 points in the loss to Southeastern Louisiana. His season-high 24 points came against Texas-Rio Grande Valley in mid-December.

Incarnate Word has shown a potent offense, averaging 78.5 points in its last four games, including a 90-point performance against Northern Arizona. However, consistency has been an issue, as seen in the road loss to UTRGV where they shot just 38% from the field.

Lamar has struggled offensively in its recent losses, scoring 70 points or fewer in three of its last four games. The team will need a more efficient performance at home, where it is 4-2 this season, to counter UIW’s scoring threats.

The matchup is the first of two scheduled meetings between the programs this season. With both teams clustered in the middle of the conference standings, Saturday’s result will provide an early indicator of postseason positioning.

Tipoff is set for 4:30 p.m. CST at the Montagne Center. Lamar continues its homestand Monday against Houston Christian, while Incarnate Word travels to face Stephen F. Austin on Jan. 12.