STILLWATER, Okla. – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team looked like an even match for Oklahoma State in the early minutes on Friday, but the Cardinals were unable to keep pace as the Cowgirls stampeded to an 86-35 season-opening victory at Gallagher-Iba Arena.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
UIW (0-1) scored first on Friday when Imani Robinson aggressively drove to the basket, drew a foul and hit a pair of free throws. Oklahoma State (1-0) responded with a 7-0 run, before Robinson answered with five straight points to tie the ballgame at the 6:44 mark.
 
With 3:43 remaining in the opening frame, Robinson picked up her second foul of the ballgame and was forced to leave with the Cardinals trailing, 13-9. The Cowgirls quickly took advantage of Robinson's absence, forcing 10 turnovers and ending the quarter on a 17-0 run.
 
Oklahoma State scored the first six points of the second period, before a Liz Holter three-ball and a Sydnee Wynn hook shot made the score, 36-14.
 
The Cowgirls continued their up-tempo approach and took a 52-16 lead into the locker room.
 
Quincy Baker and Gabbi Bowie each knocked down jumpers at the start of the third period, but their spark couldn't catch fire as Oklahoma State increased its advantage to 45 points after 30 minutes of action.
 
UIW limited its turnovers and played improved defense in the final frame, but the Cowgirls continued to cruise for an 86-35 win.
 
THE BREAKDOWN

The Cardinals shot just 29.2 percent from the floor and 7.7 percent from beyond the arc, while allowing 49.2 percent and 39.1 percent respectively. UIW committed 30 turnovers in the contest, leading to 35 points off turnovers for Oklahoma State. The Cowgirls took much better care of the ball with only 12 giveaways on the afternoon.
 
The one bright spot for UIW was its rebounding presence. The Cardinals were outrebounded by the much taller Oklahoma State squad, but only marginally, 39-32.
 
LEADERS
 
Robinson finished with team-highs for UIW in both points (12) and boards (5). Haley Frias and Melina Merritt contributed 2 assists apiece, while Frias added a pair of steals. Bowie earned 6 points and 3 rebounds, while Holter contributed 7 points and 3 boards. Both Cardinals added an assist. Baker finished with a 4-point, 3-rebound outing in the loss.
 
Loryn Goodwin spearheaded the Cowgirls' attack with 18 points, 10 assists, 8 steals and 3 boards.
 
UP NEXT
 
UIW will have a quick turnaround as the team returns to the Lone Star State for a road matchup against UT-Arlington at 2:30 p.m. tomorrow.
 
STAY TUNED
 
The Cardinals' home-opener will come on Wednesday, Nov. 15 as the squad welcomes regional foe Texas State for a 6 p.m. skirmish at the McDermott Center.
 
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