SAN ANGELO, TEXAS – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team traveled to Angelo State on Saturday afternoon, but they could not overcome a poor first half in a 60-51 loss.

The Belles (6-4) jumped out to a 10-point lead midway through the first half and led by as many as 14 points before settling for a 28-16 lead at the break. The Cardinals (6-5) only shot 20.8 percent from the field in the first half while the Belles hit on 43.5 percent of their attempts.

In the second half, the Cardinals were unable to mount a strong comeback. ASU led by as many as 19 points after a pair of free throws by Rochelle Norris with 5:22 remaining in the game. UIW was able to close to within seven points with 1:08 to play on a jumper by Joslinn Douglas (Austin/Del Valle HS), but the Belles went 4-for-4 from the foul line in the final minute to secure the win.

The Cardinals shot 15-of-52 from the field for the game, made 4-of-17 from three-point range and were 17-for-24 at the foul line. Kosisio Mora (Grand Prairie/Arlington Bowie HS) led the team with 13 points and grabbed five rebounds. Douglas chipped in with 11 points while Ifunanya Mora (Grand Prairie/Arlington Bowie HS) dished out five assists.

The Belles grabbed nine more rebounds than the Cardinals, but committed eight more turnovers. ASU shot 45.5 percent from the field, made 5-of-10 from beyond the arc and were 15-for-19 at the foul line. Hillari Adam led the way with 19 points and nine rebounds. Amanda Weaver added 13 points while Haylee Oliver handed out five assists.

The Cardinals are back in action on January 3 at Rice University for a 7 p.m. tip-off.