SharpBetz
NCAAB

New Orleans Privateers vs Incarnate Word Cardinals

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Final Score New Orleans 78 - Incarnate Word 64
Spread: L Total:

Matchup Analysis

This NCAAB matchup features New Orleans Privateers (12-15 (5-4)) traveling to take on Incarnate Word Cardinals (10-17 (8-5)) at McDermott Center, San Antonio, TX. These two teams are closely matched, with both squads posting similar scoring differentials this season. This projects as a competitive contest that could go either way. Incarnate Word averages 72.4 points per game, but they face a New Orleans defense that holds opponents to 73.3 PPG. The visitors' defensive prowess could limit the home team's scoring output. Meanwhile, New Orleans scores 73.9 PPG but faces a Incarnate Word defense that limits opponents to 74.4 PPG. The home team's defensive effort could be the difference-maker. Home court advantage is worth approximately 3.5 points in NCAAB, and Incarnate Word will look to leverage their home crowd. Our model sees this as essentially a coin-flip game, projecting just a 1.7-point margin. Expect a tight finish. The 68% confidence interval ranges from Incarnate Word winning by 14 to losing by 11. Our model aligns closely with the market on this one, suggesting the oddsmakers have priced this game efficiently. Look for small edges in the total and moneyline markets to capitalize on any remaining value.

Team Comparison

UNO New Orleans
Stat
UIW Incarnate Word
12-15 (5-4)
Record
10-17 (8-5)
Last 10
73.9
PPG
72.4
73.3
Opp PPG
74.4

Current Odds

Team Moneyline Spread Total
UNO New Orleans Privateers
+124 +2.5 O 154.5
UIW Incarnate Word Cardinals
-148 -2.5 U 154.5
Source: Draft Kings Updated: Feb 19, 7:40 PM
Opening line: -1.5 / O/U 156.5

Model Projection

Team Moneyline Spread Total
UNO New Orleans Privateers
+125 +1.7 O 146.3
UIW Incarnate Word Cardinals
-125 -1.7 U 146.3
Source: Model Updated: Feb 19, 7:08 PM

Our Picks

Spread L
Incarnate Word (opened at -1.5)
55% Confidence
Total
Pass
Model: 146.3 | Edge below threshold

Recent Trends

Incarnate Word has struggled this season at 10-17 (8-5). The wins have been hard to come by, and the team is looking for answers on both ends of the floor. Home court advantage will be critical for any chance at pulling off an upset. It's been a difficult season for New Orleans at 12-15 (5-4). Traveling to face Incarnate Word presents a significant challenge, though every game is a chance to build for the future. When these teams meet, the home team typically has the edge given the crowd advantage and familiarity factor. The team that controls tempo and limits turnovers will likely dictate the outcome of this matchup.

Matchup Edges

Incarnate Word

Advantages

  • Home court advantage and crowd support
  • Familiarity with home venue and routines

Disadvantages

  • Sub-.500 record at 10-17 (8-5) raises concerns
  • Potential for inconsistency in key moments

New Orleans

Advantages

  • Nothing to lose as the visiting team
  • Road underdog motivation — play with less pressure

Disadvantages

  • Playing on the road without home crowd support
  • Struggling with a 12-15 (5-4) record this season