SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team will look to bounce back from a loss to defending Southland Conference Champion Central Arkansas as they head northeast for a matchup with perennial power Stephen F. Austin at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday in Nacogdoches.
 
HOW TO WATCH
 
Fans of UIW women's hoops can catch all the action live on ESPN3 and the WatchESPN App.
 
OPENING TIP
 
Fifteen games into their 2017-18 schedule, the Cardinals (3-12, 2-2 SLC) hold a virtually identical record to last season, despite facing an incredibly challenging non-conference slate. Through 15 games in 2016-17, UIW was 4-11 overall, with a 2-2 mark in Southland Conference play. And while the Cardinals would undoubtedly love to have a few more checks in the win column midway through the year, the UIW youngsters may be hitting their stride at just the right time.
 
SCOUTING THE LADYJACKS
 
Record: 12-3, 4-0 SLC
Last Game: W 74-67 at New Orleans (Jan. 10, 2018)
Head Coach: Mark Kellogg
Leaders:
No. 21 r-Sr. F Stevi Parker – 11.8 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.3 SPG
No. 03 Jr. G Chanell Hayes – 11.2 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 1.3 APG
No. 22 Sr. G Taylor Jackson – 9.3 PPG, 2.7 APG, 2.3 RPG, 1.7 SPG
Summary: The Ladyjacks finished 25-8 last season, including a 14-4 mark against Southland Conference competition. Stephen F. Austin reached the championship game of the SLC Tournament, falling to Central Arkansas, 60-35, in Katy. The Ladyjacks' season came to a close in the first round of the WBI Tournament with a 62-54 defeat at the hands of the UTRGV.
 
Stephen F. Austin is currently 12-3 overall and 4-0 in league play. The Ladyjacks enter Saturday's matchup with a six-game winning streak and a perfect mark since entering conference play. Stephen F. Austin is coming off of a 74-67 win over New Orleans on the road.
 
The Ladyjacks average 77.5 points, while holding opponents to just 57.8 per contest. Stephen F. Austin shoots 43 percent from the floor and 28.8 percent from three-point range, while allowing 36.8 percent and 30.8 percent respectively. The Ladyjacks hold a +4.4 rebounding margin and a +6.0 turnover margin this season.
 
Stephen F. Austin is led by redshirt-senior forward Stevi Parker, who averages 11.8 points, 10.3 boards, 2.3 assists and 1.3 steals. Junior guard Chanell Hayes is second on the team in scoring, with 11.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.3 assists per game. Senior guard Taylor Jackson averages 9.3 points, 2.7 assists, 2.3 boards and 1.7 steals.
 
THE CARDINAL FILE
 
Record: 3-12, 2-2 SLC
Last Game: L 57-35 vs. Central Arkansas (Jan. 10, 2018)
Head Coach: Christy Smith
Leaders:
No. 11 So. G Imani Robinson – 10.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.1 SPG, 1.5 APG
No. 15 Fr. F Sydnee Wynn – 7.4 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.1 BPG
No. 04 r-Jr. G Gabbi Bowie – 7.7 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.0 APG
Summary: The Cardinals finished 9-20 last season, including a 7-11 mark against Southland Conference competition. UIW is currently 3-12 overall and 2-2 in league play, after falling to defending Southland Conference Champion Central Arkansas, 57-35, on Wednesday in San Antonio.
 
The Cardinals average 50.0 points, while surrendering 71.0 per contest. UIW shoots 31.7 percent from the floor and 23.8 percent from beyond the arc, while allowing 44.2 percent and 36.7 percent respectively. The Cardinals hold a -6.6 rebounding margin and a -2.7 turnover margin this season.
 
UIW is led by reigning Southland Conference Freshman of the Year Imani Robinson, who averages 10.8 points, 4.5 boards, 2.1 steals and 1.5 assists. Freshman forward Sydnee Wynn pulls down a team-high 6.3 rebounds per contest, while adding 7.4 points and 1.1 blocks. Redshirt-junior Utah transfer Gabbi Bowie averages 7.7 points, 3.1 boards and 1 assist.
 
SERIES HISTORY
 
Stephen F. Austin holds a 6-0 advantage in the all-time series with UIW. The Ladyjacks picked up a 94-75 victory in the most recent meeting between programs on Jan. 21, last season in San Antonio.
 
UP NEXT
 
The Cardinals face Lamar at 7 p.m. on Wednesday in Beaumont.
 
STAY TUNED
 
UIW travels to The Big Easy for a date with New Orleans at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20.
 
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.