Box Score SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – Jason Smith's short jumper with 19 seconds remaining in the game provided the margin of victory for visiting Texas A&M-Commerce against the University of the Incarnate Word on Wednesday night at the McDermott Center.  The Lions won 86-84 over the Cardinals in Lone Star Conference action. (Box Score)

Prior to Smith's bucker, the Cardinals (12-9, 8-5) had mounted a furious rally over the previous two minutes.  UIW found themselves down by eight points with 2:22 to play after a Stefon Carson steal and breakaway layup.  They cut the lead to five points on a three-pointer by Denzel Livingston (Houston/Waltrip HS) just 13 seconds later.  The Cardinals quickly forced a turnover, but were unable to convert on another three-pointer and the long rebound led the Lions on another fast break, but this time Lyn'Dale Brown (San Antonio/Judson HS) blocked the shot and the Cardinals came up with the ball.

On the next trip down the court, Livingston drew a foul and knocked down both free throws to make it 81-78 with 1:29 remaining.  The Lions broke the foul court press and Andrew Davis was fouled going for a layup.  He made 1-of-2 at the line and the Cardinals came down and pulled to within two points on a jumper by Anthony Horton (League City/Clear Creek HS) with 1:05 to play.  After each team made two free throws, Dionelle Rucker (San Antonio/New Life Christian Academy) blocked a shot and Brown started the break leading to Livingston drawing a foul.  He made both free throws to tie the game setting up Smith's game-winning show.

The Cardinals had one last chance in the final seconds, but Andre Corley's (Baytown/Sterling HS) fall-away jumper fell short.

The Cardinals shot 44.8 percent from the field, made 10-of-27 from three-point range and were 14-of-24 from the foul line.  Four Cardinals scored in double figures led by Rucker's 19 points and nine rebounds on 9-of-16 shooting from the field.  Brown added 18 points, seven assists, five steals and five rebounds.  Kyle Hittle (New Braunfels/New Braunfels HS) knocked down four three-pointers and poured in 18 points as well.  Livingston finished with 16 points, six rebounds and four assists while making 9-of-10 from the free throw line.

Other than Livingston, the Cardinals struggled at the foul line making only 5-of-14 at the line.  The team had 32 rebounds, 21 assists and 12 steals.

The Lions shot 52.5 percent from the field, made 10-of-21 from three-point range and were 12-of-17 at the free throw line.  Tyrie Wooten led the team with 18 points and five rebounds while draining five three-pointers.  Stefon Carson added 16 points and five assists.  Smith and Preston Whitley each scored 11 points and grabbed six rebounds off the bench.  They had 43 rebounds and 19 assists while turning the ball over 20 times.

The Cardinals are back in action on Saturday at Tarleton State at 7 p.m.
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