SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Coming off of a thrilling victory over Nicholls on Dec. 30, the University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team will enter the new year on the road with a Southland Conference matchup against Sam Houston at 3 p.m. on Saturday in Huntsville.
 
OPENING TIP
 
The Cardinals (2-11, 1-1 SLC) will look for their second consecutive league victory on Saturday, while the Bearkats (3-8, 0-2 SLC) hope to snap a five-game losing streak, including an 0-2 start in conference play.
 
UIW opened its baptism-by-fire schedule at Oklahoma State and UT-Arlington, before hosting regional foe Texas State. The Cardinals traveled more than 2,600 miles over the Thanksgiving holiday to take on Utah and Weber State, before hosting UMass and South Dakota. UIW met Rice, Houston and Texas Tech on the road, all before entering league action.
 
In the Southland, only Lamar and Central Arkansas faced a tougher non-conference schedule according to RPIratings.com.
 
SCOUTING THE BEARKATS
 
Record: 3-8, 0-2 SLC
Last Game: L 69-44 at Central Arkansas (Jan. 3, 2018)
Head Coach: Brenda Nichols
Leaders:
No. 1 So. G Jenniffer Oramas – 11.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.5 APG
No. 21 Jr. F Lydia Baxter – 7.3 PPG, 6.5 RPG
No. 20 Fr. G Akarian Morgan – 6.9 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.5 SPG
Summary: The Bearkats finished 3-25 last season, including an 3-15 mark against Southland Conference competition. Sam Houston is currently 3-8 overall and 0-2 in league play, and enters Saturday's matchup with a five-game losing streak after suffering a 64-44 loss to Central Arkansas on Wednesday in Conway.
 
The Bearkats average 57.3 points, while surrendering 68.2 per contest. Sam Houston shoots 35.1 percent from the floor and 28.1 percent from three-point range, while allowing 39.9 percent and 32.6 percent respectively. The Bearkats hold a -0.7 rebounding margin and a -3.5 turnover margin this season.
 
Sam Houston is led by sophomore guard Jenniffer Oramas, who averages 11.5 points, 3.8 boards and 3.5 assists. Junior forward Lydia Baxter pulls down a team-high 6.5 rebounds per game, while adding 7.3 points. Freshman guard Akarian Morgan averages 6.9 points, 3.6 boards, 2.2 assists and 1.5 steals.
 
THE CARDINAL FILE
 
Record: 2-11, 1-1 SLC
Last Game: W 64-62 vs. Nicholls (Dec. 30, 2017)
Head Coach: Christy Smith
Leaders:
No. 11 So. G Imani Robinson – 10.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.1 SPG, 1.6 APG
No. 15 Fr. F Sydnee Wynn – 7.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.1 BPG
No. 12 Sr. G Melina Merritt – 3.8 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.2 SPG
Summary: The Cardinals finished 9-20 last season, including a 7-11 mark against Southland Conference competition. UIW is currently 2-11 overall and 1-1 in league play, after earning a 64-62 victory over Nicholls on Saturday in San Antonio.
 
The Cardinals average 50.7 points, while surrendering 73.8 per contest. UIW shoots 31.7 percent from the floor and 22.5 percent from beyond the arc, while allowing 45.2 percent and 37.7 percent respectively. The Cardinals hold a -7.1 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, 4.3 boards, 2.1 steals and 1.6 assists. Freshman forward Sydnee Wynn pulls down a team-high 6.5 rebounds, while adding 7.6 points and 1.1 blocks per contest. Senior guard Melina Merritt averages 3.8 points, 2.6 boards, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals.
 
SERIES HISTORY
 
Sam Houston holds a 3-1 advantage in the all-time series with UIW, but the Cardinals picked up a decisive 82-55 victory in the most recent meeting between programs on Feb. 18, last season in San Antonio.
 
UP NEXT
 
UIW hosts Central Arkansas at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 10 at the McDermott Center.
 
STAY TUNED
 
The Cardinals travel to Nacogdoches for a 3:30 p.m. showdown with Stephen F. Austin on Saturday, Jan. 13.
 
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.