SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team lost 80-71 in their second game against the Texas A&M – Corpus Christi Islanders on Saturday afternoon.
 

"In these past two games we came away with a pretty good understanding as to why A&M Corpus Christi is the prohibitive favorite to win the Southland Conference. It was a one-possession game at their place with 90 seconds left to play on Wednesday night, and a one-possession game today with 23 seconds left and a chance to tie," Coach Jeff Dow said.
 

Destiny Terrell had a season high 18 points and four steals to go along with 13 points from Myra Bell and 11 from Breelyn Sanborn.
 

The Cardinals started strong, knocking down the first five shots of the game, to take an 11-4 lead, and force TAMUCC into an early timeout. Coming out of the break, the Islanders were able to cut into the Cardinal lead but thanks to eight points from Terrell and Bell, UIW held onto an 18-15 lead after the first quarter.
 

In the second quarter UIW was perfect from the free-throw line and knocked down three 3-pointers extending the lead to seven, 37-30, at halftime.
 

"As pleased as we were with how well we played in the first half, we were probably equally disappointed with our response in the second half, and especially the third quarter when we gave up our lead," Coach Dow said.
 

Alecia Westbrook began to find her groove in the second half where she scored nine points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Along with the Cardinals getting themselves in foul trouble, committing seven personal fouls in the quarter which led to seven points for TAMUCC as the Islanders took the lead (51-49).
 

"Obviously we couldn't slow Alecia Westbrook down.  She certainly appears to be the frontrunner for Southland Conference Player of the Year, and arguably should have received that honor last season," Coach Dow said.
 

Starting the fourth quarter, TAMUCC extended its lead to seven, but after a 3-pointer from Nina De Leon and a steal and score from Terrell the Cardinals were within one, 56-58. With 45 seconds left, Makinna Serrata layed it up putting UIW down three. After missing two shots on the other end the Cardinals were forced to intentionally foul. The Islanders knocked down four of six free throws sealing the game, 65-58.
 

"Once again we battled back in the fourth quarter and had three opportunities to take the lead in the last two minutes and another to tie, but we missed two shots in the paint and two 3-pointers where we had pretty good looks," said Coach Dow. "It's disappointing that we didn't come away with a win in either game, but encouraging at the same time."
 

The Cardinals will have a chance to get back on track Thursday in a game against New Orleans at 5:30 p.m.
 

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--UIW CARDINALS--