SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Still in search of their first win of the 2016-17 season, the University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team will return to the friendly confines of the McDermott Convocation Center for an 11:30 a.m. matchup against LSU-Alexandria on Tuesday.
 
OPENING TIP
 
The Cardinals (0-9) battled through a difficult non-conference schedule, but will look to change their fortunes against the similarly-struggling Generals (2-5).
 
Tuesday's game will serve as UIW's Elementary Day, as the Cardinals welcome young fans from Cambridge Elementary.
 
SCOUTING THE GENERALS
 
Record: 2-5
Last Game: W 73-70 (OT) vs. Paul Quinn College (Dec. 16)
Head Coach: Bob Austin
Leaders:
#11 Jr. G Katie Lemieux – 14.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.6 SPG
#02 Jr. G Jonika Walton – 7.9 RPG, 5.7 PPG, 1.9 APG, 1.0 SPG
#00 Jr. G Toniesha Rainey – 4.4 PPG, 3.3 APG, 1.0 SPG
Summary: The Generals enter Friday's matchup with a 2-5 overall record. LSU-Alexandria snapped a five-game losing streak on Friday with a 73-70 overtime victory against Paul Quinn College.
 
The Generals average 70.9 points, while surrendering 82.7 per contest. LSU-Alexandria shoots 34.9 percent from the floor and 25.9 percent from three-point range, while allowing 45.2 percent and 36.4 percent respectively. The Generals have a -5.6 rebounding margin and a +3.0 turnover margin this season.
 
LSU-Alexandria is led by a trio of junior guards, including Katie Lemieux, who averages 14.3 points, 6.7 boards, 2.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Jonika Walton spearheads the Generals' rebounding efforts, averaging 7.9 boards, to go along with 5.7 points, 1.9 assists and 1.0 steals per contest. Toniesha Rainey averages a team-high 3.3 assists, while contributing 4.4 points and 1.0 steals.
 
THE CARDINAL FILE
 
Record: 0-9
Last Game: L 73-63 at Wichita State (Dec. 17)
Head Coach: Christy Smith
Leaders:
#23 Sr. F Celia Garcia Paunero – 15.6 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.2 SPG
#00 Sr. G Cheyenne Berry – 9.7 PPG, 2.9 APG, 3.0 RPG, 1.3 SPG
#12 Fr. G Imani Robinson – 5.8 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.8 APG
Summary: The Cardinals have started the season 0-9, and are coming off of a 73-63 loss to Wichita State in Kansas.
 
UIW averages 52.7 points, while surrendering 72.2 per contest. The Cardinals shoot 31.7 percent from the floor and 31.3 percent from the three-point range, while allowing 46.3 percent and 42.2 percent respectively. UIW has a -7.4 rebounding margin and a -1.5 turnover margin this season.
 
The Cardinals are led by senior forward Celia Garcia Paunero, who averages 15.6 points, 10.2 boards, 1.8 assists and 1.2 steals per contest. Senior guard Cheyenne Berry dishes out a team-leading 2.9 assists per game, while contributing 9.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals. Freshman guard Imani Robinson averages 5.8 points, 5.7 boards, and 1.8 assists per contest.
 
SERIES HISTORY

UIW and LSU-Alexandria will meet for just the second time in program history. The Cardinals earned a 96-59 victory over the Generals on Nov. 13, last season in San Antonio.
 
UP NEXT
 
After a break to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, UIW will host Texas A&M-Kingsville at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 28 at the McDermott Convocation Center.

STAY TUNED
 
The Cardinals open Southland Conference play against Nicholls at 1 p.m. on Dec. 31 in Thibodaux.
 
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.