DENTON, Texas – After a week away from the court, the University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team will return to action with a 3 p.m. matchup against North Texas on Saturday at the Super Pit.
 
OPENING TIP
 
The Cardinals (0-6) have battled a difficult non-conference schedule through six games and are still chasing the first victory of their 2016-17 campaign. The Mean Green (4-2) opened the year with three consecutive losses, before earning back-to-back victories over Arizona and Iona. North Texas is currently riding its second three-game skid of the season.
 
SCOUTING THE MEAN GREEN
 
Record: 2-6
Last Game: L 94-64 vs. Indiana (Dec. 6)
Head Coach: Jalie Mitchell
Leaders:
#23 So. G Terriell Bradley – 11.4 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.6 SPG
#20 Sr. G Terra Ellison – 8.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.1 APG
#03 Sr. G Kelsey Criner – 7.8 PPG, 3.9 APG, 2.9 RPG, 2.6 SPG
Summary: The Mean Green enter Saturday's matchup with a 2-6 overall record. North Texas is riding its second three-game losing streak of the year and coming off of a 94-64 defeat at the hands of Indiana in Denton.
 
The Mean Green average 58.9 points, while surrendering 68.6 per contest. North Texas shoots 37.1 percent from the floor and 29.9 percent from three-point range, while allowing 44.9 percent and 33.1 percent respectively. The Mean Green have a -10.5 rebounding margin and a +2.1 turnover margin this season.
 
North Texas is led by sophomore guard Terriell Bradley, a transfer from Kansas, who averages 11.4 points, 2.9 boards, 1.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Senior guard Terra Ellison posts a team-high 5.8 rebounds per contest, while contributing 8.6 points and 1.1 assists. Senior guard Kelsey Criner averages 7.8 points, 3.9 assists, 2.9 boards and 2.6 steals per game.
 
THE CARDINAL FILE
 
Record: 0-6
Last Game: L 60-43 vs. Rice (Dec. 3)
Head Coach: Christy Smith
Leaders:
#23 Sr. F Celia Garcia Paunero – 13.8 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.3 SPG
#00 Sr. G Cheyenne Berry – 7.7 PPG, 2.3 APG, 1.8 RPG, 1.5 SPG
#12 Fr. G Imani Robinson – 5.8 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.8 APG
Summary: The Cardinals have started the season 0-6, and are coming off of a 60-43 loss to Rice in San Antonio.
 
UIW averages 47.0 points, while surrendering 70.2 per contest. The Cardinals shoot 28.4 percent from the floor and 28.2 percent from the three-point range, while allowing 46.0 percent and 42.7 percent respectively. UIW has a -9.1 rebounding margin and a -1.5 turnover margin this season.
 
The Cardinals are led by senior forward Celia Garcia Paunero, who averages 13.8 points, 9.8 boards, 1.5 assists and 1.3 steals per contest. Senior guard Cheyenne Berry dishes out a team-leading 2.3 assists per game, while contributing 7.7 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals. Freshman guard Imani Robinson contributes 5.8 points, 5.7 boards, and 1.8 assists per contest.
 
SERIES HISTORY

North Texas holds a 1-0 advantage in the all-time series against UIW. The Cardinals dropped a 62-55 decision to the Mean Green in the lone meeting between programs on Dec. 21, 2015 in San Antonio.
 
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.