SAN ANTONIO, Texas — ACU earned their first win since November 8 on Sunday, earning a 61-53 win over the Incarnate Word Cardinals.
With the win, the Wildcats improve their record against UIW to 23-8. Over the past 10 years, ACU holds an 8-2 record, with the 'Cats holding a 17-3 record over the Cardinals through head coach Julie Goodenough's tenure.
In the first half, the Wildcats initially struggled with their shooting, only shooting 33 percent from the field and 21 percent from the 3-point line. ACU did hold a 10-8 lead after the end of the first quarter, but the Cardinals outscored ACU 23-12 in the second quarter to take a 31-22 lead into the locker room.
Everything changed for the better for ACU in the third quarter. The Wildcats caught fire in terms of shooting, finishing the Thors 10 minutes shooting 62.5 percent from the field and 50 percent from the 3-point line. The Wildcats also locked down on defense, ultimately outscoring the Cardinals 24-9 in the third quarter.
In the final 10 minutes, the Cardinals started to make their way back into the game, with the game being eventually tied at 50-50 with 1:37 left in the game. But the 'Cats shut the door on UIW, outscoring them 11-3 in the final going to help gain their third win of the season.
The Wildcats finished the game scoring 39.7 from the field and had eight made 3-pointers while shooting 25.8 behind the arch. UIW ultimately finished outshooting the Wildcats shooting 40.7 from the field, but only made three 3-pointers on 23.1 percent shooting from the 3-point line.
Despite being out-rebounded as well, the Wildcats caused UIW to commit 25 turnovers and also had 24 fast break points, while only having 18 turnovers and the Cardinals having seven fast break points.
Sophomore Emma Troxell led the way for the Wildcats with a career-high 18 points as well as 11 rebounds for her second career double-double. Troxell also added four steals and one assist.
Three other Wildcats finished Sunday in double figures. First was Erin Woodson, who scored a season-high 14 points off the bench for ACU while adding three steals and two assists. Bella Earle finished with 13 points with five rebounds, four assists and four steals. Payton Hull rounded out the group with 11 points with five rebounds and three assists.
Next, ACU heads to Miami, Florida from Nov. 29 through December 1 for the FIU Thanksgiving Classic. Up first, ACU will play Sacramento State on Friday at 2 p.m., then will either play Wagner or tournament-host FIU for the second time this season on Sunday, Dec. 1 at either 10 a.m. or at noon.
Fans who can't make it to South Beach can stream both games live on ESPN+. Fans can also keep up with the 'Cats by following the team on X, Instagram, Facebook and acusports.com.
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