SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team will look for its third straight victory on Wednesday as the squad welcomes Central Arkansas to the McDermott Center for a 6 p.m. bout.
 
OPENING TIP
 
Fourteen games into their 2017-18 schedule, the Cardinals (3-11, 2-1 SLC) hold a virtually identical record to last season, despite facing an incredibly challenging non-conference slate. Through 14 games in 2016-17, UIW was 4-10 overall, with a 2-1 mark in Southland Conference play. And while the Cardinals would undoubtedly love to have a few more checks in the win column, the UIW youngsters may be hitting their stride at just the right time.
 
SCOUTING THE SUGAR BEARS
 
Record: 11-4, 4-0 SLC
Last Game: W 51-39 vs. Lamar (Jan. 6, 2018)
Head Coach: Sandra Rushing
Leaders:
No. 23 Sr. F Taylor Baudoin – 14.7 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.3 APG
No. 20 Sr. C Kierra Jordan – 10.0 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.1 BPG
No. 02 Jr. G Kamry Orr – 12.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.3 SPG, 2.2 APG
Summary: The Sugar Bears finished 26-5 last season, including a 16-2 mark against Southland Conference competition. Central Arkansas won the Southland Conference Tournament, handily defeating Stephen F. Austin, 60-35, in the championship game. The Sugar Bears' season came to a close in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, with a 78-50 defeat at the hands of the University of Texas.
 
Central Arkansas is currently 11-4 overall and 4-0 in league play. The Sugar Bears enter Saturday's matchup with a six-game winning streak that includes impressive victories over Clemson and North Dakota State. Central Arkansas is perfect since entering conference play, and is coming off of a 51-39 win over Lamar in Conway.
 
The Sugar Bears average 64.5 points, while holding opponents to just 48.9 per contest. Central Arkansas shoots 44.5 percent from the floor and 36.5 percent from three-point range, while allowing 36.2 percent and 29.9 percent respectively. The Sugar Bears hold a +5.0 rebounding margin and a +3.4 turnover margin this season.
 
Central Arkansas is led by senior forward Taylor Baudoin, who averages 14.7 points, 6.5 boards and 2.3 assists. Senior center Kierra Jordan pulls down a team-high 7.8 rebounds per game, while adding 10 points, 2.2 assists and 1.1 blocks. Junior guard Kamry Orr averages 12.9 points, 3.8 boards, 2.3 steals and 2.2 assists.
 
THE CARDINAL FILE
 
Record: 3-11, 2-1 SLC
Last Game: W 56-49 at Sam Houston (Jan. 6, 2018)
Head Coach: Christy Smith
Leaders:
No. 11 So. G Imani Robinson – 10.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.1 SPG, 1.5 APG
No. 15 Fr. F Sydnee Wynn – 7.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.2 BPG
No. 12 Sr. G Melina Merritt – 3.8 PPG, 2.7 APG, 2.6 RPG, 1.3 SPG
Summary: The Cardinals finished 9-20 last season, including a 7-11 mark against Southland Conference competition. UIW is currently 3-11 overall and 2-1 in league play, after back-to-back wins over Nicholls and Sam Houston.
 
The Cardinals average 51.1 points, while surrendering 72.0 per contest. UIW shoots 31.9 percent from the floor and 24.3 percent from beyond the arc, while allowing 44.3 percent and 36.9 percent respectively. The Cardinals hold a -6.8 rebounding margin and a -2.6 turnover margin this season.
 
UIW is led by reigning Southland Conference Freshman of the Year Imani Robinson, who averages 10.6 points, 4.4 boards, 2.1 steals and 1.5 assists. Freshman forward Sydnee Wynn pulls down a team-high 6.3 rebounds per contest, while adding 7.8 points and 1.2 blocks. Senior guard Melina Merritt averages 3.8 points, 2.7 assists, 2.6 boards and 1.3 steals.
 
SERIES HISTORY
 
Central Arkansas holds a 4-0 advantage in the all-time series with UIW. The Sugar Bears picked up a 63-50 victory in the most recent meeting between programs on Jan. 28, last season in Conway.
 
UP NEXT
 
UIW travels to Nacogdoches for a 3:30 p.m. showdown with Stephen F. Austin on Saturday.
 
STAY TUNED
 
The Cardinals face Lamar in Beaumont at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17.
 
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.