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Cardinals vs Vaqueros

Vaqueros Look to Defend Home Court

Incarnate Word

Incarnate Word Cardinals vs UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros

February 17th 2025 | 7:00 PM EST | UTRGV Fieldhouse

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UT Rio Grande Valley

UTRGV’s tempo and home-court edge should be the difference

Grade B+: UT Rio Grande Valley Moneyline (-225)

UT Rio Grande Valley’s ability to control the pace and capitalize on fast-break opportunities gives them an advantage over an Incarnate Word team that has struggled with defensive consistency. The Vaqueros’ aggressive transition offense, combined with their ability to create second-chance points, could put the Cardinals on their heels early. Meanwhile, Incarnate Word has had trouble maintaining efficiency in half-court sets, especially against teams that pressure ball handlers. With UTRGV favored at -225, the best bet is UT Rio Grande Valley to win outright, earning a B+ rating for confidence and a $65 potential return for bettors backing the home team.

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UTRGV’s pace and defence could be the key to a big win

Grade B+: UT Rio Grande Valley Spread -5

UT Rio Grande Valley’s fast-paced offence and defensive intensity should give them an edge against Incarnate Word, which has struggled to keep up with high-energy teams. The Vaqueros—who thrive in transition and force turnovers at a high rate—should be able to disrupt the Cardinals’ half-court sets, making scoring opportunities difficult to come by. Meanwhile, Incarnate Word’s struggles on the defensive glass could allow UTRGV to dominate second-chance points. With the spread set at -5, the best bet is UT Rio Grande Valley to cover, as their tempo and physical play should help them extend the margin late. This pick earns a B+ rating, with a $75 potential return for bettors expecting a strong showing from the home team.

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UTRGV’s tempo could make this a high-scoring affair

Grade B+: Over 147.5 Total Points

UT Rio Grande Valley’s aggressive transition game and ability to force quick possessions could lead to a faster pace, creating plenty of scoring opportunities. The Vaqueros like to push the ball off turnovers and capitalize on mismatches, while the Incarnate Word Cardinals have shown they can keep up offensively but struggle on the defensive end. Meanwhile, neither team is elite at slowing the tempo, which suggests a back-and-forth matchup with plenty of shot attempts. With the Over/Under set at 147.5, the best bet is Over, as UTRGV’s tempo and UIW’s defensive struggles should push the total past the number. This pick earns a B+ rating, with a $75 potential return for bettors expecting an up-tempo battle.

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