SAN ANTONIO – With a 72-61 win over Texas A&M – Commerce on Thursday night, the University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team clinched a spot in the 2024 Southland Conference Basketball Tournament at the Legacy Center in Lake Charles, La. March 11-14.
 
Sophomore Jorja Elliott was huge for the Cardinals with a season-high 25 points, knocking down five 3-pointers on the night. Nina De Leon Negron continued to dominate on the boards for UIW, pulling down 12 while scoring 16 points for her fourth double-double this season. Myra Bell also had herself a night, finishing with 15 points on 5-for-9 shooting behind the arch.
 
The Cardinal offense had an explosive first quarter behind 10 early points from Elliott. UIW separated from the Lions by 12 points, ending the quarter with a score of 22-10.
 
TAMUC held the Cardinals to only eight second-quarter points, closing the gap to a two-point game at the half (30-28).
 
Tied at 37, Elliott and Raimi McCrary drained treys, while Destiny Terrell capped off the eight-point run with a bucket in the paint to take a 45-37 lead. The Lions continued to chip away at the Cardinals, ending the third with a three-point game (51-48).  
 
At the four-minute mark in the final quarter, UIW pulled away with a nine-point edge then Elliott nailed her fifth 3-pointer of the night as the Cardinals separated themselves from the Lions by 11 (67-56). UIW continued to hold off the Lions for the 72-61 victory.
 
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