Corpus Christi -- The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team couldn't find their offensive rhythm against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, falling 57-49 to the defensive minded Islanders Saturday afternoon at Bank America Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.
 
 
NOTABLES

• Freshman forward Starr Omozee led the team with 10 points on 5-10 shooting.
• She has now recorded 10+ points in a team-record five consecutive games this season.
• Junior forward Lunden Henry led the team on the glass, hauling in six boards and recording the team's only block.
• Sophomore guards Kara Speer and Liz Holter each dished out two assists to lead the team.
• Holter also delivered a season-high six points while playing stout defense, drawing two charges throughout her 17 minutes on the floor.
• Sophomore forward Olivia Noah set a career high by going 6-6 from the line, the most free throws she's attempted and made in a single game at UIW.
• As a team, UIW made 10 of its 12 free throw attempts (83.3 percent). That's the fifth time this season UIW has shot 80 percent or better from the line and the third time doing so in a conference game.
• The UIW defense forced 21 turnovers today, the fifth time this season they've forced an opponent into 20+ turnovers
• The Cardinals utilized a platoon substitution system, allowing for 10 student-athletes to accumulate 16 or more minutes.

 
HOW IT HAPPENED
QTR 1 (12-13): Omozee helped the Cardinals draw first blood on a skillful drive nearly three minutes in to the game. From there, both teams traded buckets until AMCC took the lead at the 4:01 mark. After the media timeout, coach Smith subbed in a whole new group of five. The second unit was effective right away, forcing a shot clock violation on their first defensive possession. UIW took a 12-11 lead late, but AMCC got a bucket in its final possession to hold a one-point advantage after ten minutes. Omozee led the team with four points in the frame.

QTR 2 (25-29): The Cardinals endured a push from the home team at the beginning of the period, before refocusing on the defensive end and punching back with an 11-2 run to take a 25-19 lead. UIW kept active hands on defense to disrupt AMCC passing lanes and force difficult shots late in the clock. The run lasted 4:54 through the middle of the quarter and involved both the first and second units. Coach Smith once again used the platoon sub strategy, swapping out all five Cardinals at the 6:05 mark and then again for the final 1:49. The highlight of the quarter came in the midst of the Cardinal run, when freshman guard Macy Ray forced a mid-court turnover and cashed in by dishing to junior guard Angelica Wiggins for a textbook two-on-one fast break putting the Cardinals up 23-19. Wiggins led the team with four points in the quarter and seven for the half.

QTR 3 (37-45): The Islanders started strong out of the break, establishing a nine-point lead just over two minutes into the period. The rangy AMCC defenders made life difficult in the paint, but UIW persevered scoring five points in the last 1:36 to cut the lead to eight before the final quarter.

QTR 4 (49-57): The stingy Islanders defense kept UIW frustrated in the final quarter, allowing AMCC to maintain its lead throughout. The Cardinals competed until the end, bringing in seven offensive rebounds and closing out the game on a 5-0 run. But ultimately, AMCC walked away with its sixth conference win.

UP NEXT
The Cardinals come back to the McDermott Center for a Wednesday night tilt with Southeastern Louisiana. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m.

FOLLOW ALONG
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics.