SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Poor shooting doomed the University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team from the outset as the Cardinals dropped a 66-47 decision to Eastern Michigan in UIW's home-opener at the McDermott Convocation Center.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
Shooting woes continued for the Cardinals (0-5) on Tuesday night as UIW shot just 27.0 percent from the field. In stark comparison, the Eagles (3-4) shot 40.3 percent from the floor, including 52.9 percent in the first quarter, and secured an early 22-8 advantage after one.
 
The Cardinals came out with more energy in the second, holding Eastern Michigan to only nine points on 21.4 percent from the floor. Despite poor shooting, the Eagles capitalized on a 28-19 rebounding edge to take a 31-21 advantage into the break.
 
Eastern Michigan charged out of the locker room in the second half and pushed their lead to as many as 27 points before both sides cleared their respective benches in the fourth quarter.
 
THE BREAKDOWN
 
UIW shot 34.8 percent from three-point range, compared to just 27.0 percent inside the arc. The discrepancy marks the second time this season that the Cardinals shot a higher percentage from deep than their overall shooting performance.
 
The Eagles picked up a 24-12 advantage in the paint, 13-8 advantage on second chance points, 8-0 advantage on fast break points, 7-3 advantage on bench points and a 50-39 rebounding advantage.

LEADERS

Celia Garcia Paunero picked up her third double-double of the season with 17 points, 11 boards, an assist and a steal. Imani Robinson dished out a team-high three assists, to go along with eight points, six rebounds and two blocks. Melina Merritt contributed 11 points, three boards, two steals and two assists on the night.
 
Sasha Dailey (25 points), Micah Robinson (11 rebounds) and Sheyna Deans (five assists) spearheaded the Eastern Michigan attack.
 
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.