DENTON, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team played its best game of the young season, but North Texas pulled away late, earning an 84-61 victory at the Super Pit on Saturday afternoon.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

The Cardinals (0-7) had their strongest shooting performance of the year, but couldn't overcome a rebounding disadvantage against the much taller Mean Green (3-6) squad.
 
North Texas scored the first five points on Saturday, but UIW hit back with a 7-0 run, punctuated by a Celia Garcia Paunero three-pointer at the 5:36 mark. The Mean Green recaptured the lead, and despite a Cassandra Ramirez three-ball late in the frame, held a 23-18 advantage after one.
 
Ramirez picked up where she left off in the second, draining two more shots from beyond the arc to keep the Cardinals within striking distance. After Ramirez' third triple, UIW trailed the UNT, 29-24, at the break.
 
The Cardinals continued to fight, and after a Haley Frias steal and fast-break layup at the 6:48 mark of the third quarter, UIW pulled within three. The Mean Green immediately responded with an 8-2 run, and UNT took a 53-45 lead after three.
 
The Mean Green shifted gears in the fourth, outscoring the Cardinals, 31-16, to cruise over the final minutes.

THE BREAKDOWN

UIW shot 43.0 percent (23-of-53) from the floor, 53.8 percent (7-of-13) from three-point range and 80.0 percent (8-of-10) at the free throw line, but turnovers and rebounds were the downfall of the Cardinals. UIW committed 20 turnovers and was outrebounded by North Texas, 39-21.
 
LEADERS
 
Garcia Paunero finished with 15 points (6-of-11), six boards, one assist, one steal and one block to lead the Cardinals. Cheyenne Berry had a solid night, contributing 11 points (4-of-5), three rebounds, three assists and a steal. Ramirez tallied 11 points (4-of-6), with a pair of boards and a team-high three steals.
 
Terra Ellison paced the Mean Green with 19 points and eight rebounds. Kelsey Criner dished out five assists, to go along with 13 points and six boards in the win.
 
UP NEXT
 
UIW will next head to Wichita, Kan. to face Murray State (Dec. 16) and Wichita State (Dec. 17) in the Shocker Winter Classic.

STAY TUNED
 
The Cardinals return to San Antonio for a home bout against LSU-Alexandria at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 20.
 
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.