HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team opened Southland Conference play with a hard-fought 59-55 road loss to Sam Houston State on Saturday.

Although the Cardinals did not lead at any point in the game, they were always within striking distance. They cut the lead down to two points with 31 seconds left after Haley Frias (Georgetown/Georgetown HS) sank her only three pointer of the afternoon to put the score at 55-53. The Bearkats made all four of their free throws after that and sealed their second win of the year.

The Cardinals (3-9, 0-1) shot 33 percent from the field, only made 2-of-18 from beyond the arc and had 14 total turnovers. The UIW defense forced 27 turnovers on 18 steals but could not take advantage, scoring only 12 points off the turnovers. Jazmine Holman (Arlington/Arlington Bowie HS) had a career high eight steals, one short of the school record, and added six points and four assists without a turnover. Aricka Adams (Round Rock/Round Rock HS) led the team in scoring with 12 points while adding six rebounds and three assists. Shanise Brooks (Topeka, KS/Highland Park HS) followed a 19-point, 17-rebound performance Tuesday night with 11 points and nine rebounds against the Bearkats while shooting 5-of-6 from the field. The team was 11-of-13 from the foul line, but were outrebounded, 47-31.

The Bearkats (2-9, 1-0) shot 41.7 percent from the field, made 5-of-11 from three-point range and they were 14-of-24 at the charity stripe.  Shernise Robertson led the Bearkats with 19 points thanks to a perfect day at the foul line where she was 10-for-10.  Morghen Day contributed 14 points, nine assists and four steals while Shadijah Moore led with 10 rebounds and added nine points.

The Cardinals continue their conference schedule with a home game against New Orleans on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at the McDermott Center.
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