NATCHITOCHES, La. – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team eked out a gritty road win over Northwestern State on Wednesday, making just enough plays down the stretch to hold on for a 57-53 victory at Prather Coliseum.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
After falling behind early, the Cardinals (4-22, 3-12 SLC) put together a 13-3 run to take a seven-point lead at the first media timeout. Both teams traded baskets over the remainder of the period, and UIW held a 17-10 advantage after one.
 
The Demons (7-19, 2-13 SLC) chipped away in the second quarter, but the Cardinals maintained a 27-24 lead at the break.
 
UIW came out strong early in the third, going up by eight points at the 5:47 mark. Northwestern State fought back incrementally, and with 1:33 left in the frame, tied the ballgame at 38 apiece.
 
Just twenty second later, Melina Merritt responded with a three-pointer that kick-started a 7-0 run to close out the frame.
 
The Demons roared back in the fourth, using a 9-2 run to pull within a point. With 1:30 remaining in the contest, Kara Speer knocked down two clutch free throws to give the Cardinals a three-point advantage.
 
Thirty-eight seconds later, Baker hauled in a pass from Haley Frias and finished at the rim, putting UIW ahead, 52-47.
 
Northwestern State was forced to intentionally foul down the stretch, and Gabbi Bowie, Liz Holter and Baker combined to make five clutch free throws over the final 47 seconds to clinch the win.
 
KEYS TO VICTORY
 
In order to snap an 11-game skid, the Cardinals had to make significant improvements in ball security and at the charity stripe. UIW committed fewer turnovers than its season average, while registering a season-high 18 made free throws.
 
STAT OF THE GAME
 
Wednesday's win marked the first time all season that the Cardinals had four players score in double-figures.
 
THE BREAKDOWN
 
UIW shot 32.7 percent from the floor and 21.7 percent from beyond the arc, while allowing 39.6 percent and 17.6 percent respectively. Both teams shot an identical 75 percent at the charity stripe, while the Cardinals finished with six more made attempts.
 
The Demons won the battle of the boards, 38-34, and earned a six-point edge on points in the paint, but UIW secured a dominant 16-8 advantage on second chance points. The Cardinals committed four fewer turnovers than Northwestern State, and converted that differential into an 18-13 edge on points off turnovers.
 
LEADERS
 
Bowie led UIW with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist and 1 block. Imani Robinson and Baker each poured in 12 points, while combining for 11 boards, 4 steals and 2 assists. Merritt stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals.
 
Libba Gilliam paced the Demons with 17 points, 6 boards, 5 assists and 2 steals.
 
UP NEXT
 
The Cardinals travel to the coast for a battle with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.
 
STAY TUNED
 
UIW heads down I10 for a battle with Houston Baptist at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28.
 
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.