Manhattan Jaspers vs Incarnate Word Cardinals Pick – 3/23/2025

The Manhattan Jaspers and the Incarnate Word Cardinals are set to face off in the first round of the Purple College Basketball Invitational (CBI) on March 23, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. This postseason appearance marks a significant milestone for both programs, each aiming to advance further in the tournament.

Manhattan Jaspers vs. Incarnate Word Cardinals Game Preview

The Manhattan Jaspers concluded their regular season with a 17-13 record, finishing fifth in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). They demonstrated strong form towards the end of the season, securing victories in four of their last five games. Their journey in the MAAC Tournament ended with a quarterfinal loss to Iona, where senior guard Wesley Robinson led the team with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Robinson, standing at 6'7", has been a pivotal player for the Jaspers, averaging 11.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. His versatility is highlighted by his 41 successful three-pointers this season. Complementing him is freshman forward Will Sydnor, who earned Second Team All-MAAC honors and was named the conference's Rookie of the Year. Sydnor leads the team with 13.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability both inside and beyond the arc with 49 three-pointers. Additionally, sophomore guard Devin Dinkins contributes significantly off the bench, averaging 13.6 points per game and shooting 44.0% from three-point range.

On the other side, the Incarnate Word Cardinals finished their season with a 17-16 record, placing seventh in the Southland Conference. Their conference tournament run was cut short with a quarterfinal loss to Nicholls, despite a standout performance from senior forward Dylan Hayman, who scored 29 points in that game.

The Cardinals' offense is spearheaded by three seniors averaging over 14.5 points per game. Guard Davion Bailey leads with 16.4 points per game and is a formidable threat from beyond the arc, having made 117 three-pointers at a 39.9% success rate. Hayman adds 14.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, while guard Jalin Anderson contributes 14.7 points and leads the team with 5.1 assists per game.

Betting Insights

According to recent betting lines, the odds slightly favor Manhattan, with coefficients of 2.05-1.8. However, the matchup is anticipated to be closely contested, with a predicted score of 73-71 in favor of Manhattan. The Jaspers have been strong against the spread (ATS), going 9-4 in their last 13 games and 4-1 in their last five games played in March. Conversely, the Cardinals have a 15-14 ATS record this season.

Both teams have shown tendencies towards lower-scoring games recently. Incarnate Word had a stretch of nine consecutive unders in conference play, and Manhattan's last two games also went under the total. Given these trends and the neutral court setting, a lower-scoring game is plausible.

Manhattan Jaspers vs. Incarnate Word Cardinals Prediction

This matchup features two evenly matched teams, both with strengths and vulnerabilities. Manhattan's balanced attack, led by the versatile Robinson and the emerging Sydnor, provides them with multiple scoring options. Their recent form and defensive improvements position them well for this contest.

Incarnate Word's experience, with three senior leaders, offers a significant advantage. Bailey's sharpshooting and Hayman's inside presence present challenges for any defense. However, their defensive efficiency has been a concern, which could be exploited by Manhattan's offense.

Considering the current form, player matchups, and statistical analysis, the prediction leans towards a narrow victory for Manhattan. Their recent momentum and slightly better defensive metrics give them a slight edge in what is expected to be a tightly contested game.

**Prediction:** Manhattan Jaspers 73, Incarnate Word Cardinals 71