SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team returns to the friendly confines of the McDermott Convocation Center for a Tuesday night home-opener against Eastern Michigan at 5:30 p.m.
 
OPENING TIP
 
The Cardinals (0-4) enter Tuesday's matchup in search of their first victory of the 2016-17 season, while the Eagles (2-4) look to rebound from a heartbreaking 58-57 loss to Northern Colorado in the final seconds on Sunday afternoon.
 
SCOUTING THE EAGLES
 
Record: 2-4
Last Game: L 58-57 vs. Northern Colorado (Nov. 27)
Head Coach: Fred Castro
Leaders:
#01 Jr. G Sasha Dailey – 19.5 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.2 SPG, 1.3 APG
#21 Sr. G Phillis Webb – 10.7 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.3 SPG, 1.7 APG
#42 Jr. G Micah Robinson – 10.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 3.2 APG
Summary: The Eagles own a 2-4 record and are coming off of a gut-wrenching 58-57 loss to Northern Colorado. Eastern Michigan held a three-point lead over the Bears with 14 seconds remaining, but fouled a Northern Colorado player on a made three-point basket. The Bears sank the ensuing free throw to complete the four-point play and steal the victory.
 
The Eagles average 63.0 points, while surrendering 66.0 per contest. Eastern Michigan shoots 35.6 percent from the floor and 25.2 percent from three-point range, while allowing 38.7 percent and 25.6 percent respectively. The Eagles are even in rebounding margin and have a -0.1 turnover margin this season. Eastern Michigan is led by junior guard Sasha Dailey, who averages 19.5 points, 6.7 boards, 2.2 steals and 1.3 assists per game. Senior guard Phillis Webb grabs a team-high 6.8 rebounds per contest, while averaging 10.7 points, 2.3 steals and 1.7 assists. Junior guard Micah Robinson paces the squad with 3.2 assists per game, to go along with 10.5 points and 6.0 boards.
 
THE CARDINAL FILE
 
Record: 0-4
Last Game: L 79-46 vs. Utah State (Nov. 25)
Head Coach: Christy smith
Leaders:
#23 Sr. F Celia Garcia Paunero – 12.5 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.5 SPG
#10 Jr. G Haley Frias – 9.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 0.5 APG
#12 Fr. G Imani Robinson – 6.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.0 SPG
Summary: The Cardinals enter Tuesday's game at 0-4 and are coming off of a 79-46 loss to Utah State at the Lady Griz Classic in Missoula, Mont.
 
UIW averages 48.0 points, while surrendering 73.8 per contest. The Cardinals shoot 28.9 percent from the floor and 26.0 percent from the three-point range, while allowing 47.3 percent and 43.1 percent respectively. UIW has a -8.5 rebounding margin and a -4.5 turnover margin this season. The Cardinals are led by senior forward Celia Garcia Paunero, who averages 12.5 points, 9.8 boards, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals per contest. Junior guard Haley Frias contributes 9.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game, while freshman guard Imani Robinson chips in a solid 6.8 points, 6.3 boards, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steals per contest.
 
SERIES HISTORY

The Cardinals will meet the Eagles for the first time in program history.
 
UP NEXT
 
UIW is set for a home bout against Rice at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the McDermott Convocation Center.

STAY TUNED
 
The Cardinals will travel up I35 for a 3 p.m. date with North Texas on Saturday, Dec. 10 in Denton.
 
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.