BEAUMONT, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team was no match for the rival Cardinals on Thursday night, dropping an 83-54 decision to Lamar at the Montagne Event Center, live on ESPN3.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
UIW (4-12, 2-3 SLC) came out sloppy, committing 11 turnovers in the first half, including three over the team's first three possessions. The squad also started slow from long range, shooting just 22.2 percent (2-of-9) from deep over the first 20 minutes of action. In stark comparison, Lamar (11-3, 4-0 SLC) shot 57.1 percent from the floor and 71.4 percent (5-of-7) from beyond the arc in the first half, en route to a 40-28 advantage at the break.
 
LU exploded out of the locker room with a dominant third-quarter performance, securing a 27-point lead after three, before cruising in the fourth.
 
THE BREAKDOWN
 
Lamar shot 60.0 percent from the floor and 61.5 percent from three-point range, while holding UIW to just 35.1 percent and 32.0 percent respectively. LU earned a 36-30 rebounding advantage, a 43-24 edge on points in the paint, a 17-10 advantage on fast break points and a 20-15 edge on points off turnovers. UIW picked up a 27-11 advantage on bench points and a 13-6 edge on second chance points.
 
LEADERS

Imani Robinson led UIW with 16 points, five boards, three steals and an assist. Celia Garcia Paunero pulled down a team-high nine rebounds, to go along with 11 points, one assist and one steal. Cheyenne Berry tossed three assists, while contributing four boards, two points and a steal. Haley Frias finished with 14 points, while Alexandra Busby-Leija chipped in 10.
 
Moe Kinard (21 points), Kiandra Bowers (11 rebounds) and Chastadie Barrs (seven assists) led Lamar.
 
UP NEXT
 
UIW travels to Houston on Jan. 14 for a 1 p.m. matchup with Houston Baptist.

STAY TUNED
 
The Cardinals host Southeastern La. at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9 at the McDermott Convocation Center.
 
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.