HOUSTON, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team had six players score at least seven points on Monday afternoon, but a balanced scoring effort wasn't enough as Houston picked up a 98-67 victory over UIW at Tudor Fieldhouse.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
The Cougars (9-3) scored the first six points of the ballgame, before Quincy Baker got the Cardinals (1-9) on the board with a layup at the 7:15 mark. Houston responded with an 18-2 run that lasted just under five minutes, and secured a 24-4 advantage after a jump shot by Angela Harris. UIW fought back in the waning minutes of the frame, but the Cougars maintained an 18-point advantage after one quarter of play.
 
Houston increased its lead to 26 points in the second period, but the Cardinals closed out the half on an 8-1 run, and trailed by 19 at the break.
 
UIW picked up its offensive game with 24 third-quarter points, but the Cougars scored 30 of their own to take a 77-52 lead after 30 minutes of action.
 
Kara Speer opened the fourth quarter with a three-pointer, before Charmaine McBride and Sydnee Wynn combined for six quick points on three layups, but Houston continued to roll, pulling away for the win.
 
THE BREAKDOWN
 
The Cardinals shot 33.3 percent from the floor and 20 percent from beyond the arc, while surrendering 54.2 percent and 50 percent respectively. The Cougars won the battle of the boards, 47-39, and registered 25 assists, compared to only 10 for UIW.
 
LEADERS
 
McBride paced the Cardinals with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assist. Wynn and Speer added 13 and 11 points respectively, while each contributing 5 boards. Gabbi Bowie scored 9 points, Imani Robinson had 8 and Liz Holter registered 7. Melina Merritt dished out a team-high 4 assists in the loss.
 
Jasmyne Harris led the Cougars with 26 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
 
NOTEABLES
 
After a power outage on the Texas Southern Campus, Monday's game was pushed back one hour from its original start time of 11 a.m., and the location was changed Rice University's home court.
 
Houston is playing its 2017-18 home game at TSU's H&PE Arena due to upgrades being made to Hofheinz Pavilion.
 
UP NEXT
 
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.