HOUSTON, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team will battle for their first victory in program history over Houston Baptist at 1 p.m. on Saturday in Sharp Gym.
 
OPENING TIP
 
The Cardinals (4-12, 2-3 SLC) have had a season of streaks to this point in their schedule. UIW opened the year with nine consecutive losses, before picking up four straight wins for the first time since November 2013. The Cardinals started 2-0 in Southland Conference play, but dropped their subsequent three games.
 
The Huskies (3-12, 1-4 SLC) are on a similar trajectory, riding a three-game skid after consecutive losses to Southeastern Louisiana, McNeese and Central Arkansas.
 
SCOUTING THE HUSKIES

Record: 3-12, 1-4 SLC
Last Game: L 80-49 vs. Central Arkansas (Jan. 11)
Head Coach: Donna Finnie
Leaders:
#05 So. G Lisa Zderadicka – 9.5 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.5 APG
#24 Fr. F Taylor Kollmorgen – 8.2 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.4 BPG
#03 Sr. G Heidi Byrd – 7.1 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.5 APG
Summary: - The Huskies enter Saturday's matchup with a 3-12 overall record and a 1-4 mark in Southland Conference play. HBU is riding a three-game losing streak and coming off of an 80-49 loss to Central Arkansas on Wednesday.
 
The Huskies average 55.1 points, while surrendering 76.6 per contest. HBU shoots 32.9 percent from the floor and 26.8 percent from three-point range, while allowing 43.1 percent and 36.7 percent respectively. The Huskies have a -7.5 rebounding margin and a -5.1 turnover margin this season.
 
HBU is led by sophomore guard Lisa Zderadicka, who averages 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. Freshman forward Taylor Kollmorgen pulls down a team-high 7.9 rebounds, to go along with 8.2 points and 1.4 blocks per contest. Senior guard Heidi Byrd averages 7.1 points, 2.7 boards and 1.5 assists per game.
 
THE CARDINAL FILE
 
Record: 4-12, 2-3 SLC
Last Game: L 83-54 at Lamar (Jan. 12)
Head Coach: Christy Smith
Leaders:
#23 Sr. F Celia Garcia Paunero – 17.0 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.3 SPG
#00 Sr. G Cheyenne Berry – 12.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.1 SPG
#11 Fr. G Imani Robinson – 10.6 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.8 APG
Summary: The Cardinals started the season, 0-9, before rattling off four consecutive victories, including two against Southland opponents. UIW has since dropped three straight games. The Cardinals are coming off of an 83-54 defeat against the top team in the Southland Conference, Lamar, on Thursday.
 
UIW averages 63.6 points, while surrendering 72.1 per contest. The Cardinals shoot 38.3 percent from the floor and 35.8 percent from the three-point range, while allowing 45.9 percent and 39.1 percent respectively. UIW has a -2.7 rebounding margin and a -0.7 turnover margin this season.
 
The Cardinals are led by senior forward Celia Garcia Paunero, who averages 17.0 points, 9.9 boards, 1.9 assists and 1.3 steals per contest. Senior guard Cheyenne Berry dishes out a team-leading 3.7 assists per game, while contributing 12.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals. Freshman guard Imani Robinson averages 10.6 points, 5.5 boards and 1.8 assists per contest.
 
SERIES HISTORY

HBU holds a 7-0 advantage in the all-time series against UIW. The Huskies picked up a 64-46 victory in the most recent meeting between programs on March 5, last season in Houston.
 
UP NEXT
 
Following this weekend's action the Cardinals will welcome Southeastern Louisiana to the McDermott Convocation Center for a 5:30 p.m. date on Thursday, Jan. 19.

STAY TUNED
 
UIW will host Stephen F. Austin at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21.
 
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.