Box Score SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – The Thanksgiving Day Holiday was not kind the University of the Incarnate Word men's basketball team.  The Cardinals shot 23.5 percent from the field in the first half of a 75-62 loss at home to St. Edward's on Saturday at the McDermott Center.  (Box Score)

The Cardinals (3-2) struggled to shoot from the field and the foul line.  After making only 8-of-34 field goal attempts in the first half, they shot 46.7 percent in the second half.  Unfortunately, they were 12-of-22 at the foul line in the second half.

The Hilltoppers (4-3) did not shoot much better from the floor than the Cardinals, but they were able to control the boards and make their free throws.  They grabbed 16 more rebounds and went 26-of-31 from the free throw line.

The Hilltoppers led 27-20 at halftime and then did a good job of keeping the Cardinals at arm's length.  They led by as many as 13 points on a number of occasions and never let UIW get closer than seven points for the entire half.

The Cardinals shot 34.4 percent from the field, made 3-of-17 from three-point range and were 15-for-26 at the foul line.  Dionelle Rucker (San Antonio/New Life Christian Academy) led the team with 20 points, 10 rebounds and two steals.  Lyn'Dale Brown (San Antonio/Judson HS) added 13 points and six steals while Denzel Livingston (Houston/Waltrip HS) had nine points, seven assists and six rebounds.  Anthony Horton (League City/Clear Springs HS) grabbed 10 rebounds.

The Hilltoppers shot 40.4 percent from the field, made 3-of-22 from three-point range and were 83.9 percent at the charity stripe.  Chris Wacker led the team with 17 points and 16 rebounds while making 9-of-9 from the foul line.  Four other players scored in double figures including James Stukes who had 16 points and Harley Nussman who added 10 points off the bench in 14 minutes.

The Cardinals are back in action on Thursday at home against Midwestern State at 7:30 in the Lone Star Conference opener.
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