SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word men's basketball team lost to the Northwestern State Demons 72-70 in the first game of Southland Conference play on Thursday night.
 
The first few minutes of the game were a struggle offensively for the Cardinals not scoring in the first five minutes of the game. The drought was finally broken by Dylan Hayman who scored on a tough take to the basket. He would be the only Cardinal to get going on the offensive end and keep UIW in the game scoring 14 in the first half. Dylan was one of two players who shot 100 percent from the field in the first, the other being Landyn Jumawan who knocked down five three-pointers. After 20 minutes of play the Demons led 42-29.
 
Coming out of the locker room the Cardinals got back to the basics scoring 12 straight points on layups and free-throws all while holding Northwestern State to a single score and cut the deficit to three, trailing 41-44. UIW continued to battle keeping it close with the help of some three-pointers.
 
Jordan Pyke got the party started followed by Davion Bailey, and Dylan Hayman. Bailey took the lead knocking down four in a row and giving the Cardinals their first lead of the game 70-69. The Demons converted a jump shot to retake the lead and hit a free throw to go up by two, 70-72. With four seconds left UIW had one last shot but couldn't connect and final by two in the SLC opener.
 
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