SAN ANTONIO, Texas – After a tough outing at Southeastern Louisiana, the University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team returns to the Lone Star State on Saturday for a 2 p.m. matchup with rival Abilene Christian at Moody Coliseum.
 
OPENING TIP
 
The Cardinals have felt the growing pains of an extraordinarily young roster, made up of 11 underclassmen and just four upperclassmen. With only seven games remaining before the Southland Conference Tournament, the UIW youngsters will need to grow up fast in order to punch a ticket to Katy.
 
SCOUTING THE WILDCATS
 
Record: 14-8, 8-4 SLC
Last Game: L 81-60 at Nicholls (Feb. 7, 2018)
Head Coach: Julie Goodenough
Leaders:
10 So. G Breanna Wright – 14.6 PPG, 4.5 APG, 3.6 RPG, 1.6 SPG,
03 So. G Dominique Golightly – 13.0 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.5 SPG
11 Jr. G Sara Williamson – 11.3 PPG, 4.1 APG, 4.0 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 1.1 BPG
Summary: The Wildcats finished 23-9 last season, including a 16-2 mark against Southland Conference competition. ACU tied Central Arkansas for a share of the 2016-17 Southland Conference regular season championship. The Wildcats went on to defeat Oklahoma State in the first round of the WNIT, before falling to SMU, 59-51 in round two.
 
ACU is currently 14-8 overall and 8-4 in league action, after suffering an 81-60 loss at the hands of Nicholls on Wednesday in Thibodaux, La.
 
The Wildcats average 73.0 points, while surrendering 66.6 per contest. ACU shoots 43.4 percent from the floor and 35.3 percent from three-point range, while allowing 40.0 percent and 31.2 percent respectively. The Wildcats hold a +3.7 rebounding margin and a -0.7 turnover margin this season.
 
ACU is led by sophomore guard Breanna Wright, who averages 14.6 points, 4.5 assists, 3.6 boards and 1.6 steals. Sophomore guard Dominique Golightly pulls down a team-high 6.5 rebounds per contest, to go along with 13.0 points, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals. Junior guard Sara Williamson averages 11.3 points, 4.1 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks.
 
THE CARDINAL FILE
 
Record: 3-19, 2-9 SLC
Last Game: L 65-54 at Southeastern La. (Feb. 7, 2018)
Head Coach: Christy Smith
Leaders:
No. 11 So. G Imani Robinson – 11.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 1.5 APG
No. 24 r-Jr. C Quincy Baker – 5.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.3 BPG
No. 12 Sr. G Melina Merritt – 4.2 PPG, 2.5 APG, 2.3 RPG, 1.3 SPG
Summary: The Cardinals finished 9-20 last season, including a 7-11 mark against Southland Conference competition. UIW is currently 3-19 overall and 2-9 in league play, riding an eight-game losing streak, after a 65-54 loss to Southeastern Louisiana on Wednesday night in Hammond.
 
The Cardinals average 50.7 points, while surrendering 68.7 per contest. UIW shoots 32.5 percent from the floor and 25.1 percent from beyond the arc, while allowing 42.8 percent and 33.5 percent respectively. The Cardinals hold a -4.5 rebounding margin and a -3.8 turnover margin this season.
 
UIW is led by Imani Robinson, who averages 11.7 points, 4.8 boards, 1.9 steals and 1.5 assists. Redshirt-junior center Quincy Baker pulls down 4.5 rebounds per game, to go along with 5.4 points and 1.3 blocks. Senior guard Melina Merritt averages 4.2 points, 2.5 assists, 2.3 boards and 1.2 steals.
 
SERIES HISTORY
 
Abilene Christian holds a 20-8 advantage in the all-time series against UIW. The Wildcats have won the previous eight meetings, including a 68-45 victory in the most recent meeting between programs, on Mar. 1, last season in Abilene.
 
UP NEXT
 
The Cardinals host a Valentine's Day date with Lamar on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 6 p.m.
 
STAY TUNED
 
UIW welcomes Stephen F. Austin for Military Appreciation Day matchup on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 1 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.