SAN ANTONIO -- The University of the Incarnate Word men's basketball team hosts Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in the second leg of the school's doubleheader Saturday, tipping off at approximately 4:15 p.m.
"Saturday doubleheaders at the McDermott Center are exciting," Cardinals coach Carson Cunningham said. "I know our guys are eager to come out with zip and get after it. Texas A&M Corpus Christi is coming off of a couple of wins. They are tough to deal with inside and out. We're encouraging fans to come out for the game and give us a boost. Should be a fun, competitive day of hoops at Incarnate Word."
UIW also will be honoring the 2001-2002 Cardinals basketball team for its past accomplishments, which include a 25-4 season record, a Heartland Conference championship and a visit to the second round of the NCAA Division II National Tournament.
TIPOFF COVERAGE
SERIES HISTORY
UIW (4-14, 1-6 SLC) trails TAMU-CC (8-12, 4-5 SLC) in head-to-head matchups, 4-6.
LOTS OF LUTZ
Freshman guard Drew Lutz set new career highs in points (25), 3-pointers made (5) and steals (4) in Wednesday's game against Lamar. He also dished out four assists and grabbed three rebounds.
MONEY MURRAY
Sophomore guard Dwight Murray Jr. tallied a career-high 21 points Wednesday, finishing 8-9 from the free-throw line (also a career high) and dishing out four assists.
THREE-STON WILLIS
Freshman guard Keaston Willis scored 24 points against Lamar, knocking down a career-high six 3-pointers.
MAGIC NUMBER
The Cardinals are 3-2 when scoring 70 or more points in a game. Meanwhile, UIW is 1-12 when surrendering 70 or more points.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
- The Islanders went 2-0 in their most recent homestand, defeating Lamar and New Orleans in close games.
- TAMU-CC play a slow-paced, meticulous brand of basketball, ranking last in the conference in scoring offense, but second in scoring defense.
- One area the Islanders thrive in is 3-point offense and defense. The team ranks third in 3-point field goal percentage (36.7 percent) and third in 3-point field goal percentage defense (31.2 percent).
- TAMU-CC is a strong rebounding team, ranking third in the conference in rebounding margin (+2.8).
- The Islanders have struggled to take care of the ball this season, sitting in last place in the SLC with a -4.9 turnover margin.
- TAMU-CC employs a balanced offensive attack, with three players averaging double-digits in points (Myles Smith - 13.2, Jordan Hairston - 11.9, Jashawn Talton-Thomas - 11.4).
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.
The UIW men's basketball team is on Twitter at @UIWMBB and Instagram at @uiwmensbasketball.
