SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Junior
Simi Socks led five Cardinals in double figures as the University of the Incarnate Word men's basketball team improved to 2-0 with a 93-57 victory over Trinity Monday evening from the McDermott Center.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Similar to last Friday's season opener, tonight's game was a regular season game for UIW and an exhibition for the visiting Tigers.
UIW led by seven in the early goings before Trinity scored five unanswered to trail by two, 14-12, with 12:44 left in the opening half, thanks to a four-point play by Taylor Kim.
A steal by Socks, leading to a fast-break dunk by
Keaton Hervey, increased the Cardinal lead to eight, but Trinity's Brian Blum quickly silenced the home crowd with a three-pointer to make the score 24-19 with 6:24 remaining in the half.
The Cardinals used a 16-4 run to take a 40-22 late in the half and forcing the Tigers to take a timeout. Freshman
Augustine Ene landed a posterizing dunk while getting fouled during the run.
The Cardinals had a firm grasp of the lead in the second half, leading by no fewer than 12. In the half,
Sam Burmeister set a new career high with two blocked shots.
LEADERS
Socks led all players with a season-high 19 points.
Christian Peevy came off the bench to record his first-collegiate double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Shawn Johnson pulled down a game-high 12 boards while registering six points, two assists, and two steals.
Despite being in foul trouble for most of the game, Trinity's leading scorer, Danny Rivara, still led the Tigers with 12 points, followed by Stephen Molina with 11.
QUOTES
Opening statements from head coach
Ken Burmeister:
"It was a good game. Trinity has a fast-paced, hard offense, and it gave us an opportunity to face a quick opponent. We made them turn the ball over and we were able to capitalize on those turnovers."
On the game-changing run towards the end of the first half:
"When we subbed, we subbed to our advantage. We were able to wear Trinity down."
On the performances of
Christian Peevy and
Sam Burmeister:
"That's what we want. We want them to continue what the starters left off. They're as good as starters, but you can only start five guys."
On Peevy's comeback from his injury last season:
"He's made a lot of progress. He's a hungry young man who puts a lot of time in the gym. He's getting better all the time."
Peevy on coming to UIW from Chicago:
"I had never been to Texas before. Texas is hot! I loved what the coaches had to offer me. They really believed in me; they told me they're going to let me be free and play how I play. When I was told they were opening the season at Texas, I really wanted to play against a big school like that."
Peevy on having to redshirt last season due to injury and coming back this season:
"It was extremely hard. I love playing basketball. It was hard watching my teammates play and I couldn't. I have to take the process slow. I'm still rehabbing and working hard every day. There is no ceiling with me."
UP NEXT
UIW resumes its four-game home stand against McMurry Friday at 6 p.m.
STAY TUNED
The Cardinals host Loyola Marymount in a pre-Thanksgiving battle on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m.
For the most up-to-date information on Incarnate Word Athletics visit uiwcardinals.com. Be sure to follow Incarnate Word Athletics on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like Incarnate Word Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics.
