LUBBOCK, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team led for the majority of the first quarter on Thursday, but Texas Tech stole the lead and pulled away late for an 80-54 victory at United Supermarkets Arena.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
The Lady Raiders (6-5) scored first on Thursday, but the Cardinals (1-10) answered with seven consecutive points. Imani Robinson kicked things off with a jumper, before finding Quincy Baker for a layup. Forty-two seconds later, Gabbi Bowie knocked down a three-pointer that put UIW ahead, 7-2, and forced a Texas Tech timeout.
 
Lady Raiders Head Coach Candi Whitaker pulled four of five starters during the timeout, and Texas Tech responded to the move with five quick points to tie the ballgame.
 
Bowie punched back with her second three-ball to give the Cardinals a 10-7 lead, before a Lady Raider layup cut the UIW advantage to one. Bowie found the bottom of the net from long range again on her next trip down the floor, but Texas Tech countered with a three of their own. Sixteen seconds later, Haley Frias joined the party with a made shot from beyond the arc, putting the Cardinals on top, 16-12.
 
With 2:17 remaining in the period, Baker made a layup that gave UIW an 18-14 lead, but the Lady Raiders scored the final seven points of the frame to steal a 21-18 advantage after 10 minutes of action.
 
The onslaught continued in the second quarter as Texas Tech poured in the first 11 points of the period.
 
Sydnee Wynn hit back-to-back jumpers to cut the Lady Raiders' lead to 10, but Texas Tech ended the half on a 13-4 run, and held a 45-26 advantage at the break.
 
The Cardinals trailed by as many as 21 points early in the third, but continued to battle with a 12-2 run. Just when it looked as though UIW had recaptured the momentum, Texas Tech closed out the period on a 10-3 run.
 
The Cardinals traded punches with the Lady Raiders in the fourth, but the home team pulled away for the win.
 
THE BREAKDOWN
 
Despite a dazzling start offensively, UIW finished the day shooting just 26.1 percent from the floor. In stark contrast, Texas Tech shot 45.7 percent. The Lady Raiders won the battle of the boards, 57-38, while earning a 36-12 edge on points in the paint. Texas Tech also picked up a 12-2 advantage on fast break points and a 27-10 edge on bench points.
 
LEADERS
 
Robinson paced the Cardinals with 17 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists. After starting 3-for-3 from deep, Bowie finished with 13 points, 3 boards and 1 steal. Frias turned in an all-around performance with 6 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal and a team-high 6 assists. Melina Merritt also tallied 6 assists, while adding 4 points, 4 boards and a team-high 4 steals.
 
Lyndsey Whilby led the Lady Raiders with 21 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals.
 
NOTEABLES
 
Texas Tech's Jada Terry, who entered the game as the national leader in field goal percentage, was held to just 10 points on 5-of-12 shooting by the UIW defense. Terry shot 41.7 percent from the floor on Thursday, well below her season average of 73.5 percent.
 
UP NEXT
 
After a week away from the court to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Cardinals will open Southland Conference play at home against McNeese at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 28.
 
STAY TUNED
 
UIW hosts 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.