SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team will face another quality opponent on Saturday as the squad welcomes Rice for a 1 p.m. matchup at the McDermott Convocation Center.
 
OPENING TIP
 
The Cardinals (0-5) are in search of their first victory of their 2016-17 campaign, while the Owls (4-2) seek their third win over a Southland Conference opponent this season.
 
SCOUTING THE OWLS
 
Record: 4-2
Last Game: W 77-51 vs. Sam Houston (Nov. 29)
Head Coach: Tina Langley
Leaders:
#20 Jr. G Shani Rainey – 13.8 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.0 SPG
#03 Sr. G Maya Hawkins – 10.8 PPG, 5.0 APG, 3.5 RPG, 1.2 SPG
#33 Sr. F Jasmine Goodwine – 10.5 PPG, 4.2 RPG
Summary: The Owls own a 4-2 overall record and a 2-0 mark against Southland opponents. Rice is coming off of a 77-51 victory over Sam Houston and defeated Houston Baptist, 79-53, on Nov. 19. The Owls' two losses came against LSU and Oklahoma State.
 
Rice averages 65.7 points, while holding opponents to 57.0 per contest. The Owls shoot 39.6 percent from the floor and 31.1 percent from three-point range, while allowing 37.2 percent and 23.6 percent respectively. Rice has a -2.0 rebounding margin and a +3.2 turnover margin this season. The Owls are led by junior guard Shani Rainey, who averages 13.8 points, 5.2 boards, 1.8 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Senior guard Maya Hawkins posts a team-high 5.0 assists per contest, while contributing 10.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals. Senior forward Jasmine Goodwine averages 10.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.
 
THE CARDINAL FILE
 
Record: 0-5
Last Game: L 66-47 vs. Eastern Michigan (Nov. 29)
Head Coach: Christy smith
Leaders:
#23 Sr. F Celia Garcia Paunero – 13.4 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.4 SPG
#12 Fr. G Imani Robinson – 7.0 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.4 SPG
#00 Sr. G Cheyenne Berry – 6.8 PPG, 2.8 APG, 2.0 RPG, 1.0 SPG
Summary: The Cardinals enter Tuesday's game at 0-5, and are coming off of a 66-47 home-opening loss to Eastern Michigan.
 
UIW averages 47.8 points, while surrendering 72.2 per contest. The Cardinals shoot 28.5 percent from the floor and 27.7 percent from the three-point range, while allowing 46.0 percent and 41.7 percent respectively. UIW has a -9.0 rebounding margin and a –3.0 turnover margin this season. The Cardinals are led by senior forward Celia Garcia Paunero, who averages 13.4 points, 10.0 boards, 1.4 assists and 1.4 steals per contest. Freshman guard Imani Robinson fills the stat sheet with a solid 7.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Cheyenne Berry dishes out a team-leading 2.8 assists per contest, while contributing 6.8 points, 2.0 boards and 1.0 steals.
 
SERIES HISTORY

Rice holds a 1-0 advantage in the all-time series against UIW. The Cardinals dropped a 72-57 decision to the Owls in the lone meeting between programs on Jan. 3, 2014 in Houston.
 
UP NEXT
 
UIW will travel up I35 for a 3 p.m. date with North Texas on Saturday, Dec. 10 in Denton.

STAY TUNED
 
The Cardinals will then head to Wichita, Kan. to face Murray State and Wichita State in the Shocker Winter Classic.
 
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.