The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders (13-3) look to continue their six-game winning streak when they meet the faltering Northwestern State Demons (3-12) at Prather Coliseum. Action begins at 7:30 pm ET on Tuesday, Jan. 19.
The Demons are hoping to rebound after their 86-82 loss to Lamar on Saturday. Ta’Jon Welcome was the game’s leading scorer with 21 points. The Islanders, meanwhile, are coming off a 76-71 win against Nicholls on Saturday. Rashawn Thomas claimed his fifth double-double of the season with 31 points and 13 rebounds.
Thomas has upped his play over the last five games for the Islanders, averaging 21.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks.
This has potential to be a mistake-prone game for the offense of Northwestern State, which ranks 266th in the nation in ball protection (TO% of 19.9%). The disruptive defense of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi forces the 11th-most turnovers in the nation (23.8%).
Notes
The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders have a defensive rating of 97.9 (ranked 87th), while the Northwestern State Demons have an offensive rating of 103.5 (ranked 222nd).
The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders average a field goal percentage of 42.5% this season. The Northwestern State Demons have an abysmal record of 1-10 when opponents have a FG% of 42.5% or greater.
The Northwestern State Demons and the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders both rank higher in average field goal percentage when compared to their effective field goal percentages. Northwestern State is 149th and 110th in the nation for eFG% and FG% respectively, while Texas A&M-Corpus Christi ranks 268th and 257th in these categories.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, the 63rd-ranked team in blocked shots, registers an average of 4.7 per game. Northwestern State does worse, ranked 134th with 3.8.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi is one of the top teams in forced turnovers, with opponents averaging a TO% of 23.8% (ranked 11th). Northwestern State is winless this season (0-2 SU) when its TO% reaches 23.8% or greater.
