Box Score ABILENE, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team was no match for league-leading Abilene Christian on Wednesday, dropping a 68-45 decision at Moody Coliseum.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Wildcats (21-8, 15-2 SLC) jumped out to an 11-3 advantage midway through the first quarter, but the Cardinals (9-19, 7-10 SLC) punched back with a 12-4 run to tie things up 15 apiece.
Abilene Christian pulled ahead after a defensive duel in the second, and took a 26-22 lead into the break.
The game was lost in the third quarter as the Wildcats outscored UIW, 26-12.
Abilene Christian cruised in the fourth and the game was never in doubt.
THE BREAKDOWN
The Cardinals shot just 27.9 percent from the floor and 16.7 percent from beyond the arc. In comparison, the Wildcats shot 36 percent from the field and 21.9 percent from three-point range.
Abilene Christian outrebounded UIW, 67-32, including a 26-6 edge on offensive boards in a physically dominant effort. The Wildcats converted their rebounding disparity into a 32-18 advantage on points in the paint and an 18-4 edge on second chance points. UIW picked up a 12-6 advantage on points off turnovers.
LEADERS
Alexandra Busby-Leija paced the Cardinals with 13 points, one rebound and one assist.
Celia Garcia Paunero pulled down a team-high 12 boards, while contributing eight points, three blocks and one assist.
Imani Robinson chipped in eight points, four rebounds, two assists and a block.
Suzzy Dimba (17 points), Sydney Shelstead (23 rebounds) and Breanna Wright (four assists) led Abilene Christian.
UP NEXT
UIW will close out its 2016-17 campaign with a coastal showdown against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.
STAY TUNED
Next season the Cardinals will be eligible for postseason play and Head Coach
Christy Smith is determined to have the program ready to compete for a Southland Conference Championship.
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.
