SAN ANTONIO (Interstat) — The Incarnate Word Cardinals, fresh off a narrow conference victory, will look to build momentum when they host the struggling Texas A&M-Commerce Lions in a Southland Conference men’s basketball matchup Monday night at the McDermott Convocation Center. The Cardinals (9-9, 3-3 Southland) edged Northwestern State 76-74 on Saturday, snapping a three-game skid. They will aim for their first winning streak in league play against a Lions squad seeking to end a prolonged slump. Texas A&M-Commerce (7-12, 2-4) arrives after an 81-70 loss at Houston Christian on Saturday, its seventh defeat in the last eight games. The Lions have struggled offensively during the stretch, failing to reach 75 points in six of those contests. A key player for the Lions will be guard Noah Pagotto, who has shown flashes of scoring ability. He poured in 17 points at Nicholls State on Jan. 3 and added 12 points and four assists in a win over Texas-Rio Grande Valley on Jan. 10. Consistency will be crucial for Pagotto against a UIW defense that held its last opponent to 74 points. For Incarnate Word, guard Lewis Rowe will look to contribute after a quiet stretch. Rowe scored eight points in 17 minutes at Stephen F. Austin on Jan. 12 but was held scoreless in limited action in the subsequent game at Lamar. His playmaking, evidenced by a four-assist performance at Texas-Rio Grande Valley, could help ignite the Cardinals’ offense. The game represents a critical opportunity for both teams in the middle of the conference schedule. Incarnate Word can solidify its position above .500, while Texas A&M-Commerce desperately needs a road win to reverse its recent fortunes. The teams will meet again in Commerce, Texas, on Feb. 21. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CST Monday in San Antonio.