SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team will travel to Natchitoches, La. on Wednesday for a 6:30 p.m. matchup with Northwestern State.
 
OPENING TIP
 
Two teams statistically eliminated for Southland Conference Tournament contention, the Cardinals (3-22, 2-12 SLC) and Demons (7-18, 2-12 SLC) will fight to end their 2017-18 season on a high note. UIW seeks to snap an 11-game skid, while NSU hopes to win its first game since January.
 
SCOUTING THE DEMONS
 
Record: 7-18, 2-12 SLC
Last Game: L 57-51 at Houston Baptist (Feb. 14, 2018)
Head Coach: Jordan Dupuy
Leaders:
No. 32 Jr. C Cheyenne Brown – 13.5 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.3 APG
No. 22 Jr. F Libba Gilliam – 10.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.1 APG
No. 01 So. G Gabby Bell – 5.7 PPG, 4.9 APG, 3.6 RPG, 1.9 SPG
Summary: The Demons finished 13-17 last season, including a 7-11 mark against Southland Conference competition. Northwestern State is currently 7-18 overall and 2-12 in league play, riding a four-game losing streak after a 57-51 defeat at Houston Baptist on Wednesday.
 
The Demons average 57.7 points, while allowing 63.9 per contest. Northwestern State shoots 37.7 percent from the floor and 30.7 percent from three-point range, while allowing 42.1 percent and 29.3 percent respectively. The Demons hold a -5.3 rebounding margin and a +1.3 turnover margin this season.
 
Northwestern State is led by junior center Cheyenne Brown, who averages 13.5 points, 4.2 boards and 1.3 assists. Junior forward Libba Gilliam pulls down a team-high 4.6 rebounds, to go along with 10.6 points and 1.1 assists per contest. Sophomore guard Gabby Bell averages 5.7 points, 4.9 assists, 3.6 boards and 1.9 steals.
 
THE CARDINAL FILE
 
Record: 3-22, 2-12 SLC
Last Game: L 75-50 vs. Stephen F. Austin (Feb. 17, 2018)
Head Coach: Christy Smith
Leaders:
No. 11 So. G Imani Robinson – 12.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 1.4 APG
No. 24 r-Jr. C Quincy Baker – 5.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.3 BPG
No. 12 Sr. G Melina Merritt – 4.0 PPG, 2.6 APG, 2.2 RPG, 1.3 SPG
Summary: The Cardinals finished 9-20 last season, including a 7-11 mark against Southland Conference competition. UIW is currently 3-22 overall and 2-12 in league play, riding an 11-game losing streak, after a 75-50 loss to Stephen F. Austin in San Antonio.
 
The Cardinals average 50.8 points, while surrendering 68.6 per contest. UIW shoots 32.6 percent from the floor and 25.1 percent from beyond the arc, while allowing 42.7 percent and 33.8 percent respectively. The Cardinals hold a -4.9 rebounding margin and a -3.5 turnover margin this season.
 
UIW is led by Imani Robinson, who averages 12.3 points, 4.8 boards, 1.8 steals and 1.4 assists. Redshirt-junior center Quincy Baker pulls down 4.9 rebounds per game, to go along with 5.6 points and 1.3 blocks. Senior guard Melina Merritt averages 4.0 points, 2.6 assists, 2.2 boards and 1.3 steals.
 
SERIES HISTORY
 
Northwestern State holds a 5-1 advantage in the all-time series with UIW. The Demons earned a 76-74 victory over the Cardinals in the most recent meeting between programs on Jan. 5, last season in San Antonio.
 
UP NEXT
 
UIW heads south for a battle with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24.
 
STAY TUNED
 
The Cardinals face a road test at rival Houston Baptist on Feb. 28, at 7 p.m.
 
To purchase tickets to any UIW Athletics home event, contact Ticket Sales Coordinator Alma Lara at 210-805-3012.
 
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.