New Orleans didn’t need a dramatic finish to get the result it came for. The Privateers led at the break and stayed in front the rest of the way, closing out a 78-64 road win over Incarnate Word on Feb. 17, 2026.

In a game that never swung into true coin-flip territory, New Orleans’ steady control across both halves was the story: 39-28 at halftime, then 39-36 after the break to finish the job.

How the game turned

The decisive work came early. New Orleans’ 11-point edge at halftime gave it margin to manage the second half rather than chase it. Incarnate Word did play the Privateers closer after intermission, but the Cardinals couldn’t generate the kind of sustained run required to erase the deficit.

By the numbers

Halftime: New Orleans 39, Incarnate Word 28

Second half: New Orleans 39, Incarnate Word 36

Final: New Orleans 78, Incarnate Word 64

What it means going forward

For New Orleans (13-15), this was a clean, workmanlike win: build an advantage early, match the opponent’s urgency late, and walk out with a two-possession-plus cushion. Incarnate Word (10-17) showed more fight after halftime, but the early hole proved too deep, extending a rough stretch reflected in its recent form.

Game info

League: NCAA
Season: 2025-2026
Date: February 17, 2026
Venue: TBD