SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball program returns to the Alamo City on Wednesday for a 6 p.m. battle with UMass at the McDermott Center.
 
OPENING TIP
 
The Cardinals will be thankful to face the Minutewomen on their home court after spending Thanksgiving more than 1,300 miles away at Utah and Weber State. UIW opened its baptism-by-fire 2017 schedule at Oklahoma State and UT-Arlington, before hosting regional foe Texas State. The Cardinals' remaining slate includes challenging matchups with South Dakota, Rice, Houston and Texas Tech, all before entering Southland Conference play. RPIratings.com currently lists UIW's schedule as the 17th-toughest in the nation.
 
SCOUTING THE MINUTEWOMEN
 
Record: 3-3, 0-0 Atlantic-10
Last Game: W 64-61 vs. Liberty (Nov. 25, 2017)
Head Coach: Tory Verdi
Leaders:
No. 2 Jr. G Genesis Rivera – 14.3 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.3 SPG
No. 00 Sr. C Maggie Mulligan – 9.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.7 BPG, 1.8 APG
No. 11 Fr. G Bre Hampton-Bey – 12.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.8 APG, 3.0 SPG
Summary: The Minutewomen finished 9-21 last season, including an 3-13 mark in Atlantic-10 Conference play. UMass is currently 3-3 and coming off of a buzzer-beating 64-61 victory over Liberty on Nov. 25 in Amherst, Mass.
 
The Minutewomen average 70.5 points, while surrendering 63.8 per contest. UMass shoots 41.0 percent from the floor and 36.4 percent from three-point range, while allowing 39.6 percent and 37.2 percent respectively. The Minutewomen have a +1.2 rebounding margin and a +5.1 turnover margin this season.
 
UMass is led by junior guard Genesis Rivera, who averages 14.3 points, 6.5 boards, 2 assists and 1.3 steals. Senior center Maggie Mulligan contributes 9.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 1.8 assists per game, while freshman guard Bre Hampton-Bey averages 12.6 points, 4.6 boards, 3.8 assists and 3 steals.
 
THE CARDINAL FILE
 
Record: 1-5, 0-0 SLC
Last Game: L 79-55 at Weber State (Nov. 25, 2017)
Head Coach: Christy Smith
Leaders:
No. 11 So. G Imani Robinson – 10.3 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 1.2 APG
No. 15 Fr. F Sydnee Wynn – 5.5 RPG, 5.0 PPG
No. 12 Sr. G Melina Merritt – 3.8 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.0 SPG
 
Summary: The Cardinals finished 9-20 last season, including a 7-11 mark in Southland Conference play. UIW is currently 1-5 and coming off of a 79-55 defeat at Weber State on Nov. 25 in Ogden, Utah.
 
The Cardinals average 46.3 points, while surrendering 74.7 per contest. UIW shoots 29.7 percent from the floor and 19.4 percent from beyond the arc, while allowing 44.7 percent and 39.3 percent respectively. The Cardinals hold a -8.5 rebounding margin and a -4.5 turnover margin this season.
 
UIW is led by reigning Southland Conference Freshman of the Year Imani Robinson, who averages 10.3 points, 3.5 boards, 1.3 steals and 1.2 assists. Freshman forward Sydnee Wynn contributes 5.5 rebounds and 5 points per game, while senior guard Melina Merritt averages 3.8 points, 3 boards, 2.3 assists and 1 steal.
 
SERIES HISTORY
 
The Cardinals will face the Minutewomen for the first time in program history on Wednesday.
 
UP NEXT
 
UIW hosts South Dakota at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 5.
 
STAY TUNED
 
The Cardinals travel to Houston for a date with Rice on Saturday, Dec. 9.
 
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.