The Northwestern State Demons and the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders meet Wednesday in Southland Tournament college basketball action from the Legacy Center. Northwestern State is 22-10 overall this year. The Demons beat New Orleans in their tournament game on Tuesday. As for Texas A&M-CC, they’re also 22-10 overall on the season and fresh off a tournament win over McNeese State. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
Northwestern State Demons
Northwestern State managed a 16-8 run over their first 24 games this year. The Demons followed that up with a 5-2 stretch over the final seven games of the regular season, beating Texas A&M-Commerce (twice), Southeastern LA and Incarnate Word (twice).
In Tuesday’s tournament matchup versus New Orleans, the Demons were up 36-28 in the locker room. Northwestern State had to scramble on a 42-38 deficit from there but still won 74-70. Tops in scoring was Demarcus Sharp with 31 points and nine assists.
Texas A&M-CC Islanders
Over on the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi side, they managed a 15-9 run over their first 24 games this year. The Islanders closed out the year with wins over Houston Christian, Lamar, Nicholls State, McNeese State, Northwestern State and Texas A&M-Commerce in their final seven.
On Tuesday versus McNeese State, the Islanders didn’t have much trouble. Texas A&M-CC took a 36-28 halftime edge and cruised on a 44-35 run in the second for an 80-63 win. De’Lazarus Keys topped the team on 18 points and 10 rebounds.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’m probably going to stay with Texas A&M-CC. You could make a case either way, though. The Islanders ended the regular season on a tear, going 10-1 over their final 11 games. Texas A&M-CC has been doing a great offensive job all year as well, and they’ve hit 77 or more points in six straight outings. These teams have met twice before, with Texas A&M-CC winning both times. First came a 65-59 outcome at Prather Coliseum on New Year’s Eve. The second matchup was on February 25 at American Bank Center in an 83-75 Islanders victory. Northwestern State has hit 71 or more points in four straight games, so Texas A&M-CC will likely have to get the offense moving early here. I think they’ll pull it off on the way to a cover. Should be a great game regardless, though.