LIVE STATS:
http://www.sidearmstats.com/incarnateword/mbball/
LIVE AUDIO:
http://ucasports.com/showcase/
SAN ANTONIO _ The University of Central Arkansas Bears are facing a Southland Conference newcomer on Thursday night, but one with an impressive record and impressive statistics.
The Bears will take on the Incarnate Word Cardinals (13-2, 1-1), one of four newcomers to the conference. The Cardinals, who are considered a transition team to NCAA Division, won their first five games of the season against a mostly Division II schedule, then added another seven-game winning streak before opening SLC play with a loss at Southeastern Louisiana.
The Cardinals evened their league mark at 1-1 with a win at fellow newcomer New Orleans last Saturday.
UIW ranks first in the SLC in nine statistical categories, including scoring margin (+16.6), field goal percentage (49.6), three-point percentage (39.7), rebounding (43.2) and assists (16.9). Denzel Livingston ranks fourth in scoring (18.3), while Kyle Hittle is third in field-goal percentage and three-point percentage (47.6).
"They are a good-shooting team, similar to Houston Baptist,' said UCA head coach Clarence Finley. "They aren't as athletic as some teams we play, but they can really shoot it. We have to play sound defense and play smart.'
The Bears beat Houston Baptist 86-69 on Jan. 4, then lost to Oral Roberts on the road last Saturday. UCA cut a 26-point deficit to just 10 points in the second half against ORU by shooting hitting 6 of 11 from three-point range in the second half.
Senior guard DeShone McClure finished 6 of 7 from beyond the arc, scoring 25 points, while senior guard LaQuentin Miles tied his career high with 29 points and nine rebounds.
The Bears are ranked third in the SLC in three-point shooting (37.6 percent) and fourth in scoring (76.6). Miles leads the conference in scoring at 23.3 points per game and is third in rebounding (7.7) and eighth in assists (3.6).
UCA continues its road trip at Abilene Christian on Saturday afternoon. The Bears return home for two games next week, hosting Northwestern State on Thursday and Stephen F. Austin on Saturday.
