SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team will play host to archrival Abilene Christian at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday at the McDermott Convocation Center.
OPENING TIP
The Cardinals (5-14, 3-5 SLC) will look to snap a six-game losing streak against the Wildcats (11-7, 5-1 SLC) and take down an Abilene Christian squad that is currently second in the Southland Conference standings.
SCOUTING THE WILDCATS
Record: 11-7, 5-1 SLC
Last Game: W 89-73 at Nicholls (Jan. 18)
Head Coach: Julie Goodenough
Leaders:
#15 Sr. G Alexis Mason – 14.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.5 SPG
#33 Sr. F Sydney Shelstead – 12.2 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 1.0 SPG
#23 Sr. F Suzzy Dimba – 12.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.1 APG, 2.2 SPG, 1.6 BPG
Summary: The Wildcats enter Thursday's matchup with an 11-7 overall record and a 5-1 mark in Southland Conference play. Abilene Christian is riding a two-game winning streak and coming off of an 89-73 defeat of Nicholls on Jan. 18 in Thibodaux, La.
The Wildcats average 70.8 points, while surrendering 64.7 per contest. Abilene Christian shoots 42.0 percent from the floor and 32.0 percent from three-point range, while allowing 41.1 percent and 30.7 percent respectively. The Wildcats have a +9.5 rebounding margin and a -2.5 turnover margin this season.
Abilene Christian is led by a trio of seniors, including senior guard Alexis Mason, who averages 14.8 points, 3.4 boards, 2.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Senior forward Sydney Shelstead pulls down a team-high 9.1 rebounds, to go along with 12.2 points and 1.0 steals per contest. Senior forward Suzzy Dimba averages 12.3 points, 6.8 boards, 3.1 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.6 blocks per game.
THE CARDINAL FILE
Record: 5-14, 3-5 SLC
Last Game: L 94-75 vs. Stephen F. Austin (Jan. 21)
Head Coach: Christy Smith
Leaders:
#23 Sr. F
Celia Garcia Paunero – 17.8 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.4 SPG
#00 Sr. G
Cheyenne Berry – 12.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.1 SPG
#11 Fr. G
Imani Robinson – 10.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.6 APG
Summary: The Cardinals have already matched their 2015-16 Southland Conference win total with 10 league games still remaining. UIW is coming off of a 94-75 defeat at the hands of Stephen F. Austin on Saturday in San Antonio.
The Cardinals average 65.2 points, while surrendering 72.2 per contest. UIW shoots 38.5 percent from the floor and 34.7 percent from the three-point range, while allowing 45.1 percent and 37.4 percent respectively. The Cardinals have a -2.4 rebounding margin and a -0.4 turnover margin this season.
UIW is led by senior forward
Celia Garcia Paunero, who averages 17.8 points, 10.5 boards, 1.9 assists and 1.4 steals per contest. Senior guard
Cheyenne Berry dishes out a team-leading 3.8 assists per game, while contributing 12.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.1 steals. Freshman guard
Imani Robinson averages 10.8 points, 5.6 boards and 1.6 assists per contest.
SERIES HISTORY
Abilene Christian owns an 18-8 advantage in the all-time series against UIW. The Wildcats are riding a six-game winning streak, including a sweep of last year's two-game series. Abilene Christian earned an 86-71 victory on Jan. 23 in San Antonio and a 66-58 win on March 2 in Abilene.
UP NEXT
The Cardinals will travel to Conway for a matchup with Central Arkansas at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
STAY TUNED
UIW will host rival Houston Baptist at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2.
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.
