CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team held a halftime lead on Saturday at the coast, but Texas A&M-Corpus Christi exploded in the second half to blow past UIW for a 71-59 victory.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
The Cardinals (4-23, 3-13 SLC) were outshot in the first half on Saturday, but excellent ball security, combined with stingy defensive play, allowed UIW to stay ahead of the Islanders (17-10, 10-6 SLC).
 
The Cardinals committed just four turnovers through the opening 20 minutes, while forcing 13 giveaways by AMCC, and the combination allowed UIW to maintain a 34-31 lead at the break.
                                       
Unfortunately for the Cardinals, the Islanders continued their hot shooting in the second half, and took much better care of the ball. AMCC outscored UIW in the third quarter, 25-14, before cruising in the fourth.
 
THE BREAKDOWN
 
The Cardinals shot 41.5 percent from the floor and 28.6 percent from three-point range, while allowing 56.3 percent and 45.0 percent by the Islanders.
 
AMCC won the battle of the boards, 34-23, while picking up a 12-5 edge on second chance points and a 30-22 advantage on points in the paint. The two teams were practically even in every other statistical category, but shooting percentage was the difference-maker on Saturday.
 
LEADERS
 
Quincy Baker paced UIW with 16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and a block. Gabbi Bowie contributed 10 points, 5 boards and 3 assists, while Haley Frias added 9 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal. Imani Robinson contributed 8 points, 5 boards, 5 assists and 3 steals.
 
Brittany Mbamalu led the Islanders with 25 points, while Kre'Ana Henry added 19.
 
UP NEXT
 
The Cardinals head down I10 for a battle with Houston Baptist at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
 
STAY TUNED
 
UIW will close out the year with a Senior Day matchup against Abilene Christian at 1 p.m. on March 3.
 
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.