SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word men's basketball team fell to Houston Baptist University (HBU), 68-65, on Thursday evening at the McDermott Center.
 
Johnny Hughes III led the Cardinal offense with a season-high 21-point performance against HBU. RJ Glasper followed with 15 points. Benjamin Griscti and Josh Morgan also registered double-digit performances with 10 points apiece.
 
The Cardinals came out strong with Morgan's corner three that gave UIW an early 3-0 advantage over the Huskies. Lutz followed with a strong drive to the basket to keep the score in favor of the Cardinals. The first half continued with back-and-forth action between the two squads. Hughes III put UIW back on top with a pull-up jumper from the top of the key. The Huskies answered before Swaby broke through to give the advantage back to the Cardinals. HBU then went on a scoring run UIW could not match and led, 31-24, heading into the break.
 
HBU continued its offensive momentum in the second half with two and-one completions and a 3-pointer to go up 40-26. Hughes III sparked the Cardinal offense with back-to-back drives to cut the lead to 44-30. A personal foul, followed by a technical foul from HBU, brought Glasper and Hughes III to the charity line to cut the lead to 56-45. Swaby then used a steal and fast-break lay-up to bring the Cardinals within eight (59-51). UIW came within three points, but HBU secured the victory, 68-65.
 
UP NEXT
The Cardinals host McNeese State University on Saturday, Jan. 22. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. CT. Fans can purchase tickets online at UIW Tickets or by calling the UIW Ticket office at (210) 805-3000.
 
FOLLOW ALONG
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on Twitter @UIWAtheltics, and like UIW Athletics on Facebook. Follow the team on Instagram @uiwmensbasketball and Twitter @UIWMBB