SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team earned its first ever program victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Wednesday night, capturing a 63-56 win at The Convo.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
Nearly nothing went right in the opening quarter for the Cardinals (7-18, 5-9 SLC) as the squad shot just 21.1 percent, including 0-1 from three-point range, and was outrebounded, 15-10, by the Islanders (9-15, 5-8 SLC). Despite the slow start, UIW trailed by just six points after a low-scoring first, 15-9.
 
The Cardinals caught fire in the second, knocking down 66.7 percent of their shots, including 60.0 percent from beyond the arc, and outscored A&M-Corpus Christi by seven points to steal the lead at halftime, 28-27.
 
Both teams shot well in a high-scoring third quarter, and while the Islanders continued to win the battle of the boards, the three-point line was a clear UIW ally. A&M-Corpus Christi shot an abysmal 1-of-17 from three-point range on the night, but rebounding kept the Islanders in the game. A&M-Corpus Christi dominated second-chance points, and their physical play resulted in a two-point advantage after three, 49-47.
 
The Cardinals put on a defensive clinic in the fourth, holding the Islanders to 14.3 percent (2-of-14) from the floor, including 0.0 percent (0-of-5) from three-point range. In stark contrast UIW shot 42.9 percent (6-of-14) in the period, including 50.0 percent (3-of-6) from deep, and cruised held on in the final minutes for the victory.
 
THE BREAKDOWN
 
The Cardinals shot 42.9 percent from the field and 52.9 percent from beyond the arc, while holding A&M-Corpus Christi to just 35.9 percent and 5.9 percent respectively. UIW earned a 9-4 edge on fast break points and a minimal 13-12 advantage on bench points, while committing one fewer turnover than the Islanders. A&M-Corpus Christi finished with a 43-33 rebounding edge, a 20-10 advantage on second chance points, a 13-11 edge on points off turnovers and a 24-22 advantage on points in the paint.
 
LEADERS
 
Celia Garcia Paunero turned in her 15^th double-double of the season, racking up 26 points and 12 boards, while adding an assist and a steal. She shot an efficient 76.9 percent (10-of-13) from the floor and 66.7 percent (4-of-6) from long range. Haley Frias tallied 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Imani Robinson chipped in eight boards, three points, three steals and an assist. Melina Merritt dished out a team-high three assists, while adding eight points and one rebound. Alexandra Busby-Leija scored 13 points, while contributing two steals and an assist. Cheyenne Berry was held scoreless in her return from an injury that kept her out of the previous two games, but her veteran leadership was invaluable down the stretch as the Cardinals milked the clock late. She finished with two assists and two boards. Tanjunique Ajeto totaled four rebounds, two points and two assists in the win.
 
Dalesia Booth (23 points), Camesha Davis (eight boards) and Kassie Jones (four assists) paced the Islanders.
 
NOTABLES
 
Wednesday night's victory marked the seventh win for the Cardinals this season, surpassing last year's win total of six games with four still remaining in the 2016-17 campaign. The win also marked the fifth Southland Conference victory of the season, which equals the amount of league games won by UIW over the previous two seasons combined.
 
UP NEXT
 
The Cardinals host Sam Houston at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18.
 
STAY TUNED
 
UIW welcomes Nicholls to San Antonio for a Senior Day battle at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22.
 
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics visit uiwcardinals.com. Be sure to follow UIW Athletics on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics.