Houston, TX, January 3, 2026
The HCU Huskies men’s basketball team is gearing up to take on the UIW Cardinals this Saturday. This competitive Southland Conference matchup highlights the ongoing rivalry and the importance of collegiate sports in Houston. The teams, both looking to improve their standings, will face off at the McDermott Convocation Center, marking an exciting start to the new year for both programs as they aim to develop their athletes and strengthen community ties.
Houston, TX — The Houston Christian University (HCU) Huskies men’s basketball team is set to reignite its Southland Conference (SLC) campaign this Saturday, January 3, 2026, facing off against longtime rival the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) Cardinals. This pivotal matchup marks HCU’s return to intense conference action for the new year, emphasizing the competitive spirit and community engagement inherent in collegiate sports across Houston, TX.
The Huskies, with their sights set on asserting dominance within the Southland Conference, will travel to San Antonio to challenge the Cardinals at the McDermott Convocation Center. This encounter is more than just a game; it represents a clash between two programs committed to developing skilled athletes and contributing to the vibrant Houston TX sports landscape.
Rivalry Renewed in Southland Showdown
The rivalry between HCU and UIW is a staple of the Southland Conference schedule, often delivering competitive contests. Last season, the two teams split their meetings, each successfully defending their home court. HCU secured an 81-76 victory in Houston, while UIW responded with a 74-64 win in San Antonio.
The Cardinals enter Saturday’s game with a 7-6 overall record and a 2-2 standing in conference play. Under Head Coach Shane Heirman, UIW recently celebrated a 79-70 home win over Southeastern Louisiana. The Cardinals exhibit a potent offense, ranking second in the Southland Conference with an average of 82.8 points per game, spearheaded by Davion Bailey, the SLC’s leading scorer.
Huskies’ Perseverance on the Hardwood
Houston Christian University enters this conference matchup following a challenging non-conference slate that included a valiant effort against No. 3 Iowa State University. On December 29, 2025, the Huskies fell 89-61 to the Cyclones in Ames, Iowa, a contest where HCU fought to keep the score within ten points midway through the second half. Demari Williams delivered a career-high 19 points, leading four Huskies in double-digits scoring during that game. HCU’s current season record stands at 5-8 overall and 1-3 in conference play.
The Huskies’ journey through competitive non-conference play, culminating in their encounter with a top-ranked program, exemplifies the value of perseverance and growth through challenging competition. Such experiences are crucial for honing individual skills and team cohesion as they transition into the demanding Southland Conference schedule.
Local Impact: Fueling Athletic and Economic Growth
Collegiate athletics, including basketball programs like HCU’s, play a significant role beyond the scoreboard. They contribute to the broader economic and athletic landscape of regions like Houston, TX. University programs foster community strength by providing engaging events and opportunities for local businesses to partner and invest. Houston Christian University’s Department of Athletics actively seeks partnerships with reputable businesses to enhance its 17 NCAA athletic programs and support over 300 student-athletes annually.
These partnerships generate resources that directly support the student-athlete experience, promoting excellence in academics, athletics, and community involvement. The growth of university sports, whether through men’s basketball or through new initiatives like the expansion of college football in Houston at HCU, demonstrates the power of private initiative and community self-reliance in building successful programs and facilities. For instance, HCU leveraged flexible financing solutions to fund stadium seating for its football program, illustrating how strategic planning and external support can accelerate institutional growth and enhance the student and fan experience.
Strategic Decisions in a Competitive Environment
In the evolving landscape of college athletics, institutions must make strategic decisions to support their programs and athletes. Houston Christian University recently opted out of the NCAA settlement that addressed federal antitrust lawsuits concerning athlete earning power. This decision was driven by a commitment to avoid roster caps, ensuring that HCU’s athletes could continue to pursue Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities independently, as originally intended by the rules.
HCU Athletic Director Steve Moniaci emphasized that the university’s decision was to maintain flexibility for its student-athletes and that all NIL earnings by Huskies have been self-earned. This approach underscores a belief in individual initiative and the responsible growth of athletic programs.
Looking Ahead: Southland Conference Marathon
The game against UIW marks the beginning of an intense period for HCU, as the team embarks on nine consecutive weeks of Saturday/Monday conference play, encompassing 18 games leading up to the conference tournament in Lake Charles, Louisiana, in March. Following the San Antonio rivalry match, the Huskies will return home to the Sharp Gymnasium on Monday, January 5, 2026, to host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
This demanding schedule will test the Huskies’ resilience and strategic depth, offering numerous opportunities for growth and competition within the Southland Conference. The focus remains on leveraging each game as a chance for development and showcasing the talent cultivated within Houston Christian University’s athletic program.
As the Houston Christian University Huskies embark on this crucial phase of their men’s basketball season, the community’s support remains vital. The commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes, fostering competitive excellence, and engaging with the local community exemplifies the best of collegiate athletics. Fans are encouraged to follow @HCUHoops and attend upcoming games, reinforcing the spirit of initiative and collective effort that drives success in Houston TX sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What date and time is the HCU vs. UIW men’s basketball game?
- The HCU vs. UIW men’s basketball game is scheduled for Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 4 pm CT.
- Where will the HCU vs. UIW game take place?
- The game will be held at the McDermott Convocation Center in San Antonio, Texas.
- What is UIW’s current record?
- The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) Cardinals currently hold a 7-6 overall record and are 2-2 in Southland Conference play.
- What is HCU’s current record?
- The Houston Christian University (HCU) Huskies have an overall record of 5-8 and a 1-3 record in Southland Conference play.
- Did HCU recently play a ranked opponent?
- Yes, HCU recently played No. 3 Iowa State University on December 29, 2025, falling 89-61.
- Why did HCU opt out of the recent NCAA settlement?
- HCU opted out of the NCAA settlement to avoid roster caps and allow its athletes to pursue Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities independently.
- Who is HCU’s next opponent after UIW?
- Following the game against UIW, HCU will host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Upcoming Matchup: HCU vs. UIW Men’s Basketball
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Houston Christian University (HCU) vs. University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) |
| Date | Saturday, January 3, 2026 |
| Time | 4:00 PM CT |
| Location | McDermott Convocation Center, San Antonio, Texas |
| HCU Season Record (Overall) | 5-8 |
| HCU Season Record (Conference) | 1-3 |
| UIW Season Record (Overall) | 7-6 |
| UIW Season Record (Conference) | 2-2 |
| UIW Leading Scorer | Davion Bailey (leads SLC in scoring) |
| HCU Last Game (vs. Ranked Opponent) | Lost to No. 3 Iowa State (89-61) on Dec 29, 2025 |
| HCU Next Home Game | Monday, January 5, 2026 vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (7 PM CT) |
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
