NACOGDOCHES, Texas – A strong start by the University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team was not enough against the top-ranked defense in the conference, Stephen F. Austin, as the Cardinals fell, 67-45, on Saturday afternoon at the William R. Johnson Coliseum.
 
UIW started off strong, challenging SFA early in the first quarter. Going basket for basket with the Ladyjacks, the Cardinals forced four lead changes, but SFA was able to take the lead towards the end of the first period and held on to it for the remainder of the game.
 
SFA took a 10-point lead in the second quarter off a 7-0 run, holding UIW to a four-minute scoring drought. The Cardinals began to chip away at the lead, starting with a deep three by Angelica Wiggins, and would trail by nine heading into the break.
 
SFA put the pressure on the back court, keeping UIW on its heels in the third quarter. Despite holding the Ladyjacks to their lowest scoring quarter, the Cardinals were held to theirs as well.
 
UIW was unable to make a comeback in the fourth quarter as SFA went on a 10-0 run to start the frame, taking a 24-point lead. Although the Cardinal defense was able to hold the 'Jacks scoreless for a short period, missed baskets by the Red and Black halted UIW's comeback attempt as SFA secured the win.
 
QUOTING COACH DOW
 "The first quarter was good. We were scoring and basically matching baskets with them."
"When you are struggling to score, we emphasize to get offensive boards. We did not get our first o-board until there was a little over four minutes left in the third quarter. We knew they were good, but we have to do a better job in that area of going after second chance points."
"Offensively, when we were aggressive, in terms of punching gaps and looking inside I thought we had some good things happen."
 
NOTABLES:

• Angelica Wiggin's 10 points led the team and marked a season high. The senior shot 3-7 from the field and put up two 3-pointers for the second consecutive game.
• Forward Lunden Henry had two blocks in two consecutive games, matching a season high.

 
UP NEXT
UIW remains on the road as they head to Beaumont, Texas, to take on Lamar on Jan. 22 with tipoff set for 7 p.m. (CT).
 
STAY TUNED
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.

Follow the team on Twitter @UIWWBB and on Instagram @uiw_womenshoops.