SAN ANTONIO (Interstat) — Two Southland Conference teams looking to build momentum will meet Saturday when the Incarnate Word Cardinals host the Northwestern State Demons in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game.

The game is scheduled for Jan. 17, 2026, at the McDermott Convocation Center.

Northwestern State (6-11) enters on a two-game winning streak, including a 64-63 victory over Texas-Rio Grande Valley on Monday. The Demons have shown resilience in conference play, with three of their last four wins coming by three points or fewer.

A key factor has been the play of guard Micah Thomas, who is averaging 18.4 points over his last seven games. He scored 29 points in a narrow loss to Nicholls State on Jan. 5 and followed with 20 and 17 points in the team’s recent wins. His backcourt presence will be central to the Demons’ attack.

Incarnate Word (8-9) seeks to halt a three-game skid, most recently a 56-46 loss at Stephen F. Austin where the team’s offense struggled. The Cardinals have found success at home this season, including a 73-56 conference win over Houston Christian on Jan. 3.

Guard Lewis Rowe is a player to watch for the Cardinals. He contributed eight points off the bench in the loss to Stephen F. Austin and will be looked to for a spark. Incarnate Word’s defense, which allowed just 56 points in its last home outing, will aim to contain Thomas and Northwestern State’s scorers.

Historically, the teams have split their last four meetings. This matchup presents an opportunity for both to climb toward .500 in league play. Northwestern State will try to secure its first three-game winning streak of the season, while Incarnate Word aims to defend its home court and get back on track.

The game is part of a full slate of Southland Conference action this weekend.