SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word's women's basketball team handed Western Illinois University its second loss of the season on Monday night as the Cardinals defeated the Leathernecks 63-59. WIU's only other loss came from the University of Notre Dame. 
 
"We knew Western Illinois was going to be a formidable challenge with four seniors and a third-year sophomore in their starting line-up.  Considering we're starting four players that are only in their second year of playing college basketball I'd say that was a pretty big win.  Their only loss thus far had come at Notre Dame. They have a veteran team that shares the ball well and understands how to space the floor with all of their 3-point shooters.  We're proud of how well we played defensively tonight.  They came in averaging nearly 78 points per game so to hold them to 59 was huge.  A major point of emphasis for us was taking away their 3's.  Coming into tonight they had been shooting 34% from 3, so to hold them to 14% for the game (4-28), and 1-14 (7%) in the second half, was big.  And we also held them to 9 fewer free throw attempts than they had been averaging," said head coach Jeff Dow. 
 
Jaaucklyn Moore led the Cardinals (2-3) with a career-high 25 points. Destiny Jenkins followed with 14 points and three assists. The junior guard also had a standout night defensively, contributing six defensive rebounds and six steals to help secure the win. Destiny Terrell registered a double-double on the night with 11 points and 11 rebounds. 
 
"We've struggled on the boards in our 3 losses this season, so it was gratifying to see us hold them to 4 offensive rebounds for the game and to come out ahead on second-chance points, 12-4," said Dow 
 
Terrell got the Cardinals started with a hard drive to the basket to spark the offense after a seven-point run by the Leathernecks. Moore drained a 3-pointer and then sank both free throws to tie the game early. Terrell then used a pull-up jumper to give the 22-20 advantage back to UIW, while Hannah Wheeler contributed a jumper at the top of the key to keep the momentum going for the Cardinals. UIW held a 32-29 lead at halftime.  
 
UIW came out of the break led by Terrell's strong attack at the basket. Jenkins heated up in the second half, pushing the Cardinals ahead with a deep corner three, while Terrell sank yet another jumper with 24 seconds left in the game, giving UIW a 59-57 lead. Jenkins continued her clutch play, netting four free throws to put the game away and secure the 63-57 victory for the Cardinals.  
 
"Even though we made it a little too interesting in the end, I was proud of the resilience we showed down the stretch.  Destiny Terrell hit a huge shot in the final minute and Destiny Jenkins was clutch making all of her free throws in the last 13 seconds.  And obviously, Jaaucklyn Moore made a lot of tough shots throughout the game in leading us with 25 points.  Great effort of course from Destiny Terrell in posting a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. And once again Destiny Jenkins made her impact defensively with 6 steals," said Dow. 
 
UP NEXT 
The Cardinals host Schreiner University on Saturday, Dec. 4. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets at UIW Tickets.
 
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.  
  
Follow the team on Twitter @UIWWBB and Instagram @uiw_womenshoops.