SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team will look to break the hearts of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi after Valentine's Day as the Cardinals host the Islanders at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at The Convo.
 
OPENING TIP
 
Wednesday's matchup will be the first of two meetings between UIW (6-18, 4-9 SLC) and A&M-Corpus Christi (9-14, 5-7 SLC) over the final three weeks of the 2016-17 season.
 
SCOUTING THE ISLANDERS
 
Record: 9-14, 5-7 SLC
Last Game: W 69-53 at Southeastern La. (Feb. 8)
Head Coach: Royce Chadwick
Leaders:
#15 r-Jr. G Brittany Mbamalu – 9.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.2 APG
#04 Sr. G Camesha Davis – 8.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 1.0 APG, 1.0 SPG
#21 Fr. G Emma Young – 7.3 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.0 APG
Summary: The Islanders enter Wednesday's matchup with a 9-14 overall record and a 5-7 mark in Southland Conference play. A&M-Corpus Christi is coming off of a 69-53 victory over Southeastern La. on Feb. 8 in Hammond, La.
 
The Islanders average 59.3 points, while surrendering 60.5 per contest. A&M-Corpus Christi shoots 38.6 percent from the floor and 29.7 percent from three-point range, while allowing 38.4 percent and 34.0 percent respectively. The Islanders have a +5.1 rebounding margin and a -2.6 turnover margin this season.
 
A&M-Corpus Christi is led by redshirt-junior guard Brittany Mbamalu, who averages 9.6 points, 3.6 boards and 1.2 assists per game. Senior guard Camesha Davis pulls down a team-high 6.3 rebounds, to go along with 8.3 points, 1.3 blocks, 1.0 assists and 1.0 steals per contest. Freshman guard Emma Young averages 7.3 points, 3.5 boards and 2.0 assists per game.
 
THE CARDINAL FILE
 
Record: 6-18, 4-9 SLC
Last Game: L 78-61 at McNeese (Feb. 11)
Head Coach: Christy Smith
Leaders:
#23 Sr. F Celia Garcia Paunero – 17.2 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.2 SPG
#00 Sr. G Cheyenne Berry – 12.0 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.0 SPG
#11 Fr. G Imani Robinson – 12.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.2 SPG
Summary: The Cardinals have already surpassed their 2015-16 Southland Conference win total with five league games remaining this season. UIW is coming off of a 78-61 loss at McNeese on Feb. 11.
 
The Cardinals average 64.3 points, while surrendering 71.9 per contest. UIW shoots 38.3 percent from the floor and 34.1 percent from the three-point range, while allowing 43.9 percent and 36.4 percent respectively. The Cardinals have a -2.7 rebounding margin and a -1.3 turnover margin this season.
 
UIW is led by senior forward Celia Garcia Paunero, who averages 17.2 points, 10.8 boards, 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals per contest. Senior guard Cheyenne Berry dishes out a team-leading 3.7 assists per game, while contributing 12.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.0 steals. Freshman guard Imani Robinson averages 12.0 points, 6.0 boards, 1.4 assists and 1.2 steals per contest.
 
SERIES HISTORY
 
The Islanders hold a 6-0 advantage in the all-time series against the Cardinals and swept last season's two-game series. A&M-Corpus Christi earned a 57-56 victory on Jan. 27 in San Antonio, before securing a 69-55 win on Feb. 20 in Corpus Christi.
 
UP NEXT
 
Following Wednesday's action, the Cardinals will face Sam Houston at 1 p.m. on Saturday at The Convo.
 
STAY TUNED
 
UIW will host a Senior Day matchup with Nicholls at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22.
 
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.