SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word men's basketball team got back on track with a 76-74 win over Northwestern State on Saturday night. The win not only extended the Cardinals home winning streak to eight in a row but snapped a 10-game losing streak to the Demons.
 
Tahj Staveskie led all scorers with 23 points and Love Bettis had a season high 14 against his former team. Jordan Pyke was a perfect three-for-three from the field and five-for-five from the stripe, scoring 12 points.
 
The Cardinals struggled on the offensive end early but a quick 9-0 run gave them their first lead of the game 14-12. Love found his groove to keep the Cardinals in the lead, but it wouldn't last long as UIW only lead for five of the first 20 minutes. NSU went into the locker room leading UIW 43-30.
 
It was more of the same in the second half with the only difference for the Cardinals being Tahj Staveskie. His 18 points helped the Cardinals chip away at the Demons lead until things came to fruition in the final minute of the game.
 
Jordan Pyke hit his first three pointer in five games to tie things up at 74 a piece. On the other end Harisson Reede drew a foul to give the Cardinals the ball with less than five seconds remaining in the game. Staveskie to the ball to the basket but was fouled. He knocked down both free throws, putting UIW ahead for the first time since 8:39 in the first half. The demons wouldn't get another shot off and the Cardinals won by a final score of 76-74.
 
UIW will be back in action Monday night at 6 p.m. CT against East Texas A&M as the Cardinals look to tie the DI record for best start at home with nine straight wins.
 
FOLLOW ALONG
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook.
Follow the team Twitter @UIWMBB and on Instagram @UIWMensBasketball