HOUSTON, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team appeared to be on its way to a third Southland Conference victory on Saturday, but Houston Baptist put together an astonishing 21-0 run that spanned the third and fourth quarter and HBU pulled away late for a 68-51 victory in Sharp Gym.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
With 3:55 remaining in the third quarter, Celia Garcia Paunero knocked down a three-pointer that gave the Cardinals (4-13, 2-4 SLC) a 40-34 advantage over the Huskies (4-12, 2-4 SLC). UIW controlled the game from the outset, but things completely unraveled over the next few minutes.
 
HBU closed the third quarter on a 17-0 run, and scored the first four points of the fourth, before a Garcia Paunero layup finally stopped the bleeding after 21 consecutive points by the Huskies.
 
The Cardinals were unable to fight their way back into the game and HBU pulled away in the fourth.
 
UIW started well on Saturday. At the end of the first quarter the Cardinals held a 14-5 advantage and Cheyenne Berry had more points (seven) than the entire Huskies squad.
 
HBU chipped away in the second, but the Cardinals maintained a slim 27-23 halftime lead.
 
THE BREAKDOWN

UIW shot just 33.9 percent from the floor and 20.8 percent from three-point range, while allowing 40.3 percent and 37.5 percent respectively.
 
The Huskies earned a dominant 51-33 rebounding advantage, an 18-11 edge on points off turnovers, a 26-14 advantage on points in the paint and a 19-11 edge on second chance points.
 
LEADERS
 
Garcia Paunero finished with 18 points, three rebounds, an assist and a steal. Berry dished out a team-high four assists, while contributing 14 points, four rebounds and a steal. Tanjunique Ajeto paced the Cardinals with seven boards.
 
Lisa Zderadicka led HBU with 13 points and 15 boards. Heidi Byrd also scored 13 points, while tossing five assists.
 
UP NEXT
 
The Cardinals welcome Southeastern Louisiana to the McDermott Convocation Center for a 5:30 p.m. date on Thursday.

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.