SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team beat the University of California, Riverside (UCR), 61-55, on Sunday afternoon at the McDermott Center. 

"First, we want to thank everyone involved just for allowing us to play this game today," head coach Jeff Dow said. "This game came together in a matter of hours on Thursday afternoon so we're appreciative for everyone's help in making this happen on short notice.  From our administration to our facility, game management, ticketing and sports information personnel, everyone stepped up. "
 
UIW was led by Jaaucklyn Moore's 18-point performance. Starr Omozee finished with 15 points and Tiana Gardner added 14.
 
"Another solid performance by Jaaucklyn Moore in playing all 40 minutes," Dow said.  "Starr Omozee gave us a big lift with her 15 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. And our bench came up big.  Myra Bell was very active defensively and hit a big free throw late in the game to push the lead back to six.  Jamie Means came up with seven big points in only 14 minutes.  And not only did Tiana Gardner have 14 points and six rebounds, she also drew two charges which is a very important stat for us."
 
The first half consisted of balanced scoring with Moore (nine), Omozee (nine) and Jamie Means (seven) sparking the Cardinal offense. UIW forced a Highlander shot clock violation to get the ball back with a minute left in the half. Moore then hit a trey as time expired to give the Cardinals the lead, 32-29, heading into the second half.
 
The Highlanders came out of the break strong to regain the advantage (35-34). Moore answered, hitting a three at the top of the key to put the Cardinals up, 36-35. UIW completed back-to-back three-point plays and the Cardinals went on to win the game, 61-55.
 
"This was a significant win for our program," Dow said.  "We were very shorthanded today with four players out either due to injury or illness.  We're proud of the team as a whole today for responding in the way that they did.  We had players that had to play an elevated role, or play considerably more minutes than they are accustomed to.  UC Riverside has a veteran squad, and a very experienced and accomplished backcourt, especially with Cooper, Holland, and West.  We did a tremendous job defensively in containing Cooper and Holland. We placed a lot of emphasis on finding a way to win the 'points off turnovers' and 'second chance' points categories.  We were plus five on points off turnovers and we were at least tied on second chance points.  And our third goal was to find a way to make more free throws than they attempted, and we did that by making 18 while they only attempted 14."

UP NEXT
The Cardinals will be back at the McDermott Center on Wednesday, Dec. 22, at 2 p.m. against future WAC opponent Tarleton State. Tickets can be purchased 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.  
  
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