SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team will face its final non-conference opponent before entering Southland play as the squad heads north to Lubbock for a 2 p.m. matchup with Texas Tech on Thursday.
 
OPENING TIP
 
The Cardinals (1-9) hope to snap a six-game skid, while the Red Raiders (5-5) will look to extend their winning streak to three games.
 
UIW opened its baptism-by-fire 2017 schedule at Oklahoma State and UT-Arlington, before hosting regional foe Texas State. The Cardinals traveled more than 2,600 miles over the Thanksgiving holiday to face Utah and Weber State, before hosting UMass and South Dakota. UIW faced Rice and Houston on the road, and will have to go through Texas Tech, all before entering Southland Conference action. RPIratings.com regards UIW's non-conference schedule as one of the toughest in the nation.
 
SCOUTING THE RED RAIDERS
 
Record: 5-5, 0-0 Big 12
Last Game: W 80-64 vs. UTRGV (Dec. 17, 2017)
Head Coach: Candi Whitaker
Leaders:
No. 20 So. F Brittany Brewer – 12.3 PPG, 6.2 APG, 1.6 BPG
No. 12 Sr. C Jada Terry – 12.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG
No. 4 Jr. G Recee Caldwell – 10.2 PPG, 6.4 APG, 3.1 RPG
Summary: Texas Tech finished 14-17 last season, including a 5-13 mark against Big 12 Conference competition. The Red Raiders are currently 5-5, and winners of two straight, after an 80-64 victory over UTRGV on Dec. 17.
 
Texas Tech averages 71.5 points, while surrendering 69.3 per contest. The Red Raiders shoot 45.3 percent from the floor and 26.5 percent from three-point range, while allowing 39.3 percent and 33.3 percent respectively. Texas Tech has a +11.3 rebounding margin and a -6.6 turnover margin this season.
 
The Red Raiders are led by sophomore forward Brittany Brewer, who averages 12.3 points, 6.2 boards and 1.6 blocks. Senior center Jada Terry contributes 12.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, while shooting an incredibly efficient 73.5 percent from the floor. She currently ranks first in the nation in field goal percentage. Junior guard Recee Caldwell averages 10.2 points, 3.1 boards and a team-high 6.4 assists.
 
THE CARDINAL FILE
 
Record: 1-9, 0-0 SLC
Last Game: L 98-67 at Houston (Dec. 18, 2017)
Head Coach: Christy Smith
Leaders:
No. 11 So. G Imani Robinson – 9.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 1.2 APG
No. 15 Fr. F Sydnee Wynn – 7.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG
No. 12 Sr. G Melina Merritt – 3.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.1 SPG
Summary: The Cardinals finished 9-20 last season, including a 7-11 mark in Southland Conference play. UIW is currently 1-9 and coming off of a 98-67 road loss to Houston on Dec. 18.
 
The Cardinals average 48.4 points, while surrendering 75.1 per contest. UIW shoots 30.9 percent from the floor and 20 percent from beyond the arc, while allowing 46.7 percent and 39.3 percent respectively. The Cardinals hold a -5.9 rebounding margin and a -3.8 turnover margin this season.
 
UIW is led by reigning Southland Conference Freshman of the Year Imani Robinson, who averages 9.1 points, 3.4 boards, 1.9 steals and 1.2 assists. Freshman forward Sydnee Wynn pulls down a team-high 6.5 rebounds, while adding 7.8 points per contest. Senior guard Melina Merritt averages 3.5 points, 2.5 boards, 2.2 assists and 1.1 steals.
 
SERIES HISTORY
 
The Red Raiders hold a 2-0 advantage in the all-time series with the Cardinals. Texas Tech picked up a 69-48 victory in the most recent meeting between programs on Nov. 30, last season in Lubbock.
 
UP NEXT
 
After a week away from the court to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, UIW opens Southland Conference play at home against McNeese at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 28.
 
STAY TUNED
 
The Cardinals host Nicholls at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30.
 
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.