NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team is known for its acts of charity off the court, but too many giveaways on Saturday cost the Cardinals a win as the Ladyjacks took advantage of 28 UIW turnovers to steal a 60-49 victory at William R. Johnson Coliseum.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
Saturday's community service started in the first quarter when the Cardinals (3-13, 2-3 SLC) shot just 6.7 percent from the floor and handed SFA (13-3, 5-0 SLC) an 18-5 head start.
 
Despite an improved offensive performance in the second, UIW still managed to shoot only 25 percent from the floor in first half, while committing 13 turnovers.
 
At the break, the Cardinals trailed the Ladyjacks, 28-18.
 
Early in the third period, SFA held an 11-point lead, but UIW fought back. After a Quincy Baker layup and Haley Frias three-ball on back-to-back possessions, the Cardinals pulled within five points at the 5:16 mark.
 
Each time UIW made a charge however, the Ladyjacks countered, and SFA met the Cardinals with a 7-2 run to recapture a double-digit advantage with 57 seconds remaining in the period. After Baker connected on a layup with 15 seconds left, SFA took an eight-point lead into the fourth quarter.
 
Baker found the bottom of the net again just six seconds into the final frame, pulling UIW within six, but the Ladyjacks answered, connecting on a shot from long range on their ensuing possession.
 
After a Stevi Parker jumper with 8:45 remaining in the game, SFA secured a 46-35 advantage.
 
Continuing to battle, the Cardinals put together a 14-6 run over the next seven minutes, punctuated by a Kara Speer three-pointer that made it a one possession game, 52-49, and forced a timeout by the Ladyjacks.
 
When play resumed, SFA misfired on a shot from beyond the arc, but an offensive rebound, put-back layup and UIW foul provided an and-one opportunity for the Ladyjacks. The play resulted in a 55-49 lead for SFA with 12 seconds left, and forced the Cardinals to intentionally foul down the stretch.
 
After sinking three free throws to extend their advantage to nine, the Ladyjacks decided to rub things in with a steal and a layup as time expired. And while the score would indicate a decisive victory for SFA, it was anyone's ballgame with less than a minute remaining.
 
Saturday's contest was a gritty, physical battle, and fans of UIW women's basketball should be licking their chops for a Feb. 17 rematch with the Ladyjacks at the McDermott Center.
 
THE BREAKDOWN
 
The Cardinals shot 33.9 percent from the floor and 22.2 percent from three-point range, while allowing 35.5 percent and 26.9 percent respectively. While UIW narrowly missed reaching its season average of 50 points per game, SFA was held 17.5 points below its 2017-18 average.
 
The Cardinals won the battle of the boards decisively, earning a 47-36 edge, including a 21-16 advantage on offensive rebounds.
 
The Ladyjacks snatched victory from the jaws of defeat by converting UIW's 28 miscues into 26 points off turnovers.
 
LEADERS
 
Imani Robinson, Baker and Sydnee Wynn combined for 14, 12 and 10 points respectively, accounting for more than 73 percent of the Cardinals' offensive output. Wynn added 11 boards to earn her third double-double of the season. Baker contributed 3 blocks and 2 steals.
 
Taylor Jackson paced SFA with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 6 steals and 2 assists, while shooting 5-of-8 from long range.
 
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.