KATY, Texas – After leading by as many as 34 points, the University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team punched its ticket to the semifinal round of the Southland Conference Tournament by defeating McNeese State University, 90-63, on Friday afternoon at the Merrell Center. Destiny Terrell led the Cardinals throughout the game, with stats that reached double-double status (15 points, 10 rebounds) before the end of the first half.
 
This is the first time in UIW's Division I history that the women's basketball program will reach the postseason semifinal game.
 
Terrell finished with a career-best 24-points and 19 rebounds. Jaaucklyn Moore added 14 points on the day. Nine Cardinals contributed to the impressive 27-point victory.
 
On day two of the Southland Conference Tournament, UIW came out with the same offensive momentum from day one. Terrell's double-double led the way in the first half. With a fast-paced offense and aggressive defense, the Cardinals charged out to a 46-27 advantage heading into the halftime break.  
 
UIW registered a season-best six steals in the first half and shot 50% from field goal range. Its defensive pressure held the Cowgirls to only 37 percent from the field and 18 percent from beyond the arc. UIW used 18 points off second-chance shots and 13 points from the bench to spur its offensive run, with eight Cardinals contributing in the first half.
 
UIW did not let up in the second half, forcing eight McNeese turnovers to extend its lead to 70-39 at the end of the third quarter. The Cowgirls tried to fight back with a full-court press in the second half, but the Cardinals proved to be too strong and completed the historic 90-63 victory.
 
UP NEXT
UIW takes on Houston Baptist University in the semifinal game of the Southland Conference Tournament. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT.
 
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 @UIWMBB and Instagram @uiwmensbasketball.