SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team will make its second trip to Houston in as many weeks as the squad heads east for a matchup with the University of Houston at 11 a.m. on Monday.
 
OPENING TIP
 
The Cardinals (1-8) will fight to snap a five-game losing skid, while the Cougars (8-2) hope to extend their winning streak to eight games on Monday. Houston will put their six-game streak on the line against Rutgers on Saturday in New Jersey, before returning to the Lone Star State to host UIW.
 
The Cardinals opened their baptism-by-fire 2017 schedule at Oklahoma State and UT-Arlington, before hosting regional foe Texas State. UIW traveled more than 2,600 miles over the Thanksgiving holiday to face Utah and Weber State, before hosting UMass and South Dakota. The Cardinals faced Rice on the road, and will travel to Texas Tech on Dec. 21, all before entering Southland Conference play. RPIratings.com regards UIW's non-conference schedule as one of the toughest in the nation.
 
SCOUTING THE COUGARS
 
Record: 8-2, 0-0 AAC
Last Game: W 88-69 vs. ETSU (Dec. 10, 2017)
Head Coach: Ronald Hughey
Leaders:
No. 04 So. G Jasmyne Harris – 18.2 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.4 APG, 2.4 SPG
No. 23 Jr. G Serithia Hawkins – 11.4 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.5 SPG
No. 00 So. G Angela Harris – 14.2 PPG, 3.6 APG, 3.4 SPG, 2.8 RPG
Summary: Houston finished 12-19 last season, including a 4-12 mark in American Athletic Conference action. The Cougars are currently 8-2, and riding a six-game winning streak after an 88-69 victory over ETSU on Dec. 10. Houston will travel to Rutgers on Saturday before hosting UIW.
 
The Cougars average 73.9 points, while surrendering 68.8 per contest. Houston shoots 40.9 percent from the floor and 31.2 percent from three-point range, while allowing 38.7 percent and 30.5 percent respectively. The Cougars have a -4.6 rebounding margin and a +5.2 turnover margin this season.
 
Houston is led by sophomore guard Jasmyne Harris, who averages 18.2 points, 6.5 boards, 3.4 assists and 2.4 steals. Junior guard Serithia Hawkins pulls down a team-high 8.2 rebounds, while adding 11.4 points, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Sophomore guard Angela Harris averages 14.2 points, 3.6 assists, 3.4 steals and 2.8 boards.
 
THE CARDINAL FILE
 
Record: 1-8, 0-0 SLC
Last Game: L 60-43 at Rice (Dec. 9, 2017)
Head Coach: Christy Smith
Leaders:
No. 11 So. G Imani Robinson – 9.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 1.1 APG
No. 15 Fr. F Sydnee Wynn – 7.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG
No. 12 Sr. G Melina Merritt – 3.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.1 SPG
Summary: The Cardinals finished 9-20 last season, including a 7-11 mark in Southland Conference play. UIW is currently 1-8 and coming off of a 60-43 loss to Rice on Dec. 9 in Houston.
 
The Cardinals average 46.3 points, while surrendering 72.6 per contest. UIW shoots 30.5 percent from the floor and 20 percent from beyond the arc, while allowing 45.7 percent and 38.2 percent respectively. The Cardinals hold a -5.6 rebounding margin and a -4.4 turnover margin this season.
 
UIW is led by reigning Southland Conference Freshman of the Year Imani Robinson, who averages 9.2 points, 3.6 boards, 1.9 steals and 1.1 assists. Freshman forward Sydnee Wynn pulls down a team-high 6.7 rebounds, while adding 7.2 points per contest. Senior guard Melina Merritt averages 3.8 points, 2.8 boards, 2 assists and 1.1 steals.
 
SERIES HISTORY
 
The Cardinals and Cougars are locked at 1-1 in the all-time series between programs. Houston picked up a 67-51 victory in San Antonio when the teams last met on Dec. 7, 2015.
 
UP NEXT
 
Following Monday's action, UIW will travel north for a matchup with Texas Tech at 2 p.m. on Wednesday in Lubbock.
 
STAY TUNED
 
After a week away from the court, to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Cardinals open Southland Conference play against McNeese on Thursday, Dec. 28.
 
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.