SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team rallied from 22 points down, but a last-second three-point attempt fell just short, and the Demons hung on for a 76-74 victory at the McDermott Convocation Center on Thursday night.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
Trailing by two points with 4.3 seconds remaining in the game, Head Coach Christy Smith drew up one final play. The Cardinals (4-10, 2-1 SLC) executed for an uncontested three-pointer by Celia Garcia Paunero, but the shot went long and the Demons (7-7, 1-2 SLC) secured the rebound to seal the victory.
 
Northwestern State out-physicalled UIW in the opening minutes, force-feeding its post players in the paint. The Demons were also aggressive on the glass, continually out-battling the Cardinals for loose rebounds.
 
Northwestern State shot a blazing 81.3 percent from the floor and 100.0 percent from beyond the arc in the first quarter, while also knocking down both of its free throw attempts. In comparison, UIW shot 42.9 percent from the floor and went 0-for-6 from three-point range. The Demons also outrebounded the Cardinals, 9-2, jumping out to a dominant 31-14 lead after one.
 
Northwestern State opened the second quarter with an 8-2 run, capturing the team's largest lead of the night at 39-17. UIW responded in a major way, outscoring the Demons, 19-7, over the final 5:25 of the half.
 
The Cardinals continued to claw their way back, pulling within five points at the 6:56 mark of the third. Northwestern State pushed its lead back to 10, but Imani Robinson hit a layup, was fouled and completed the and-one opportunity to pull UIW within seven heading to the fourth.
 
The Cardinals shot lights out in the final frame, knocking down 61.5 percent from the field and 60.0 percent from beyond the arc, but UIW was unable to complete the miraculous comeback.
 
THE BREAKDOWN

The Cardinals shot 45.9 percent from the floor and 40.0 percent from three-point range overall. UIW also shot 88.9 percent (8-of-9) from the charity stripe. The Demons shot 54.5 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from beyond the arc.
 
UIW was outrebounded, 36-23, on the night. Northwestern State picked up a 34-24 advantage on points in the paint and an 8-5 edge on fast break points. The Cardinals earned a 20-13 advantage on points off turnovers and a 27-8 edge on bench points.
 
LEADERS
 
Cheyenne Berry led UIW with 21 points, six boards and three assists. Garcia Paunero dished out four assists, while contributing 15 points and five rebounds. Imani Robinson finished with 16 points, five boards and two assists, while Cassandra Ramirez totaled nine points, one rebound and one assist. Melina Merritt tossed a team-high five assists, to go along with two points, one board and one steal.
 
Shahd Abboud paced the Demons with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Beatrice Attura turned in a team-leading seven assists, while adding 20 points, seven boards, two blocks and a steal.
 
QUOTES

CHEYENNE BERRY ON THE FIRST QUARTER
 
"They started out pretty hot. We couldn't get them to miss a shot. We struggled in the first quarter defensively at just bringing some energy, which came back to bite us in the butt at the end."
 
BERRY ON THE CARDINALS' FINAL SHOT ATTEMPT
 
"We were totally confident with Celia taking that final shot. She stays in the gym before practice, after practice and on our off days. We were totally confident with her taking that shot. Sometimes they're going to fall and sometimes they're not. She'll make the next one for sure."
 
UP NEXT
 
The Cardinals host New Orleans at 1 p.m. on Saturday at The Convo.

STAY TUNED
 
Following this weekend's action, UIW will head to Beaumont for a 7 p.m. date with Lamar on Thursday, Jan. 12. The Cardinals travel to Houston on Jan. 14 for a 1 p.m. matchup with Houston Baptist.
 
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.