SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team powered past Southeastern Louisiana for a monumental 96-56 victory at the McDermott Convocation Center on Thursday night.
 
NOTABLES
 
Senior forward Celia Garcia Paunero picked up her 10^th double-double of the season, racking up 24 points and 24 rebounds to pace the Cardinals.
 
The win marked the first sweep of a Southland Conference opponent by UIW since joining the league.
 
The 40-point margin of victory was the program's largest since becoming a member of the SLC. The previous high was a 29-point win over New Orleans in 2013.
 
The 96 points scored by the Cardinals were their second-highest point total against a conference opponent since joining the Southland.
 
UIW's win snapped an 18-game losing streak against league opponents at home, and a 23-game losing streak against Division I opponents at home.
 
With 11 games yet to play, the Cardinals have already tied the record for conference wins in a season (three) since becoming a member of the SLC.
 
Thursday's victory marked the first time that the Cardinals have earned a road win and home win against a Southland opponent in the same season.
 
HOW IT WAS WON
 
Garcia Paunero set the tone early for the Cardinals (5-13, 3-4 SLC), securing a pass from Cheyenne Berry and knocking down a three-pointer to open the scoring. The Lions (3-15, 1-6 SLC) responded with five straight points, and kept things close throughout the opening quarter, but SLU only led for 17 seconds in the entire ballgame.
 
UIW flipped the switch in the second, outscoring the Lions, 24-11, to take a 38-24 advantage at the break.
 
The third quarter was more of the same as the Cardinals padded their lead with a 24-13 margin in the frame.
 
UIW put on an offensive exhibition in the fourth, scoring 34 points, and cruising to victory.
 
THE BREAKDOWN
 
The Cardinals had their most impressive rebounding game of the season, out-battling the Lions, 61-33, on the boards. UIW picked up a dominant 20-0 edge on second chance points and a 28-14 advantage on points in the paint. The Cardinals earned a 15-10 edge on points off turnovers, a 16-7 advantage on fast break points and a 31-27 edge on bench points. UIW also dished out 23 assists, compared to just nine by SLU.
 
The Cardinals shot 43.8 percent from the floor and 40.6 percent from beyond the arc, while holding the Lions to just 28.4 percent and 25.9 percent respectively. UIW shot 90.5 percent (19-of-21) from the free throw line, compared to only 57.9 percent (11-of-19) by SLU.
 
LEADERS
 
In addition to her 10^th double-double of the season, Garcia Paunero chipped in five blocks, four steals and four assists in the win. Imani Robinson also tallied a double-double, scoring 20 points, to go along with 11 boards, two assists, two steals and a block. Melina Merritt had one of her best outings of the season, totaling 16 points, eight assists, four rebounds and a steal. Berry stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, six assists, five boards and a steal. Haley Frias contributed 12 points and four rebounds, while Alexandra Busby-Leija added 10 points, four boards, two blocks and a steal.
 
No one scored in double figures for the Lions. Charliee Dugas (nine points), Courtney Dawsey (seven rebounds) and Taylin Underwood (three assists) paced SLU.
 
UP NEXT
 
The Cardinals host Stephen F. Austin at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21. The matchup will be broadcast live on ESPN3 and the WatchESPN App.
 
STAY TUNED
 
UIW welcomes Abilene Christian to the McDermott Convocation Center at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26.
 
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.