Thibodaux, La. – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team won its third Southland Conference game in a row by defeating the Nicholls State University Colonels, 65-50, on Saturday afternoon.
 
"We're really pleased to walk away with a win today and a sweep on the road," said head coach Jeff Dow. "Our defense has been really solid the past three games and once again that was the case today. You don't necessarily expect to hold someone to 50 points and 29 percent from the field on their home court, but we were able to do just that. Our assistant coaches (Amber Cunningham, Beverly Holmes and Rachel Baity) do a tremendous job getting our team and myself prepared for each opponent. And how effective we've been defending of late certainly speaks to their effort." 
 
Nina De Leon Negron nearly had a double-double scoring 20 points and grabbing eight rebounds, Breelyn Sanborn had 14 points and Jorja Elliot added 11. The Cardinals made 12 3-pointers, which is tied for the second most they have made in a game this season.
 
"Bree Sanborn gave us a huge lift off the bench with her 14 points and four rebounds. Nina had a great second half and nearly came away with a double-double in points and rebounds which is even more impressive given her size and that she is a point guard."
 
The Cardinals started off hot from behind the arch, with all but two of their 14 first-quarter points coming from 3-pointers. In the second quarter, UIW cooled down from the three but improved the field goal percentage from 26 to 54 percent. The Cardinals outscored the Colonels 18-12 in the second quarter and went into the half with a 32-26 lead.
 
UIW was able to put it all together in the third quarter. As a team they shot 50 percent from three and the free throw line and 47 percent from the field. De Leon Negron led all scorers with 12 points in the third, helping the Cardinals extend their lead to 13 heading in the fourth.
 
The fourth quarter was low scoring, but exactly what the Cardinals needed, as UIW was able to hold their lead and take the game by a final score of 65-50.
 
"We did a terrific job again of taking care of the ball and having more assists than turnovers for the fourth game in a row."
 
The Cardinals' next game will be back at home against Northwestern State on Thursday night in the McDermott Center at 5:30.
 
FOLLOW ALONG 
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