SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team made history on Saturday, defeating Texas A&M – Commerce, 73-62, for the fifth consecutive win and the longest win streak in UIW's Division I history. 

"We're thrilled to be able to say this team is the first to win five consecutive games since UIW became Division I ten years ago," said head coach Jeff Dow. "And with today's win we clinched no worse than fifth place in the Southland. We envisioned this being somewhat of a rebuilding year so to finish in the top half of the conference is certainly a testament to the buy-in we have had from our players and how hard they have worked throughout the season. We have had to rely heavily on five newcomers, including four freshmen, so it obviously speaks to the growth they have shown."

Five players scored in double figures for the Cardinals. They were led by Aliyah Collins who had 18 points, followed by Myra Bell with 15, Jorja Elliott added 13, while Nina de Leon Negron and Brenna Perez each had 12. 

The Cardinals started strong on the offensive side of the ball, shooting 50 percent from the field and knocking down four 3-pointers in the first quarter. They were led by Bell who had eight points in the quarter to go with a block at the buzzer to keep the UIW lead at seven, 24-17. The Cardinals continued to shoot well throughout the first half and outscored the Lions 15-11 in the second, extending their lead to 11 going into the half (39-28).

The Cardinals cooled off in the third only scoring 12 points in the quarter. However, they still held a solid eight-point lead to start the fourth. Late in the fourth, with 27 seconds left the Lions cut the Cardinals lead to six points. UIW was nearly perfect from the line in the quarter going 14-for-17 to seal the game by a final score of 73-62.

"Again it was great to see how well we shared the ball in coming away with 15 assists from our 22 made field goals.  And to have five players again in double figures is the balanced scoring that we are looking for."

FOLLOW ALONG 
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