Nicholls pulls away in second half to defeat UIW in tournament opener

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 9, 2026)  The No. 7 seeded Nicholls Colonels used a huge second half to defeat the No. 6 seed UIW Cardinals 81–55 on Monday afternoon in the opening round of the 2026 Air Force Reserve Southland Conference Women's Basketball Championships.

The win marks the second straight year the Colonels have earned a first-round victory as the No. 7 seed in the conference tournament.

Nicholls trailed by one point at halftime, 27–26, after a tight first half. Both teams struggled to create separation, and the Cardinals held a small edge heading into the break.

The game changed quickly in the third quarter.

Nicholls came out with strong energy and took control of the game. The Colonels outscored UIW 31–14 in the quarter and shot an impressive 66.7 percent from the field. They were also perfect at the free-throw line, making all 11 attempts during the period. By the end of the third quarter, Nicholls had built a comfortable double-digit lead.

The Colonels kept the momentum going in the fourth quarter. Their lead grew to as many as 26 points as they closed out the game in dominant fashion.

Sh’Diamond McKnight (No. 11, shown above) led Nicholls with a strong all-around performance. She scored 29 points on 9-of-15 shooting and went 10-for-11 from the free-throw line. McKnight also added three assists and three steals.

Anyra Wilson contributed 14 points and three assists, while Jesslynn Jalomo finished with nine points and four rebounds.

Nicholls shot 50 percent from the field and made 21 of its 23 free throws. The Colonels also forced 18 turnovers, turning those mistakes into 26 points.

UIW (13–17) was led by Brynn Lusby with 22 points. Madison Cockrell added 16 points. The Cardinals struggled from long distance, making just two of their 22 three-point attempts.

With the win, Nicholls moves on to face No. 3 seed Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks basketball in the quarterfinals Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. on ESPN+.

Huskies fall to Cardinals in tough season closer

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 22, 2025) The HCU Huskies wrapped up their football season with a hard-fought loss to the Incarnate Word Cardinals by the score of 31-10 at Husky Stadium. Despite some bright spots, the Huskies couldn't overcome UIW's strong ground game and timely scores. This defeat capped a challenging year for HCU, ending with a 2-10 record overall and 1-7 in the Southland Conference.

The game started with promise for the Huskies. UIW struck first in the opening quarter, marching 63 yards in six plays. A penalty kept their drive alive, leading to a 33-yard catch by Josh Lorick and a 2-yard touchdown run by Jaylon Spears. That put the Cardinals up 7-0 early. But HCU fired right back. Quarterback Maddox Kopp led a sharp drive, mixing a 4-yard rush with a big 42-yard pass to Sam Peiffer. It ended with an 11-yard touchdown toss to Ja'Ryan Wallace, tying the game at 7-7 with 7:44 left in the first.

UIW wasn't done. Before the quarter ended, quarterback Richard Torres hit Chedon James for a 50-yard touchdown pass, giving the Cardinals a 14-7 edge. The second quarter saw UIW add to their lead with a steady 12-play drive, capped by a 33-yard field goal from Will Faris. The score sat at 17-7 at halftime after both teams' defenses stepped up with key stops.

The Huskies' defense shone in spots, but UIW pulled away in the third. The Cardinals drove from their own 15-yard line, mixing two 30-yard plays and a catch by James. A wildcat run by Jalen Walthall sparked life, and after a brief stall, a penalty gave them new chances. Spears powered in from 12 yards out for a 24-7 lead. HCU got a break when UIW fumbled a punt return, but they settled for a 22-yard field goal by Ryan Zuckert, making it 24-10.

In the fourth, UIW controlled the clock with a 10-play, 56-yard drive over more than six minutes. It finished with a 3-yard pass from Torres to Walthall, sealing the 31-10 win.

Standout Huskies included Kopp, who went 13-for-21 passing for 156 yards and one touchdown, plus a few rushes. Backup Jake Weir added 116 passing yards on 6-of-15. Wideout Ja'Ryan Wallace had a career-high day with three catches for 130 yards and his score. Running back Xai'Shaun Edwards rushed 12 times for 40 yards, closing out a record-breaking season with 1,019 total rushing yards—the first Husky to hit 1,000—and 12 touchdowns. On defense, linebacker Rodney Dansby led with 13 tackles, pushing his career total to 446, second all-time at HCU.

For UIW, Spears rushed for 93 yards and two scores, while Kobe Dillon added 110 yards on the ground. Torres was solid, 16-of-29 for 184 yards and two touchdowns. Lorick caught seven passes for 68 yards, and James had three for 83 yards and one score.

UIW upsets Southeastern Louisiana in OT in Southland Conference Tournament

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 9, 2025) In a thrilling overtime match at the Legacy Center in Lake Charles, No. 7 ranked University of the Incarnate Word  Cardinals secured an historic 71-

67 win over the number 6 ranked Southeastern Louisiana Lions in the Jersey Mike's Southland Conference Tournament's first round. This win marks UIW's first-ever triumph in the Southland Tournament.

The Cardinals were propelled by standout performances from guards Davion Bailey (No. 5, shown above) and Jalin Anderson, each contributing 20 points. Bailey showcased his shooting prowess by sinking six three-pointers, including two crucial ones in overtime that shifted the game's momentum. Anderson added seven assists to his 20-point tally, orchestrating the offense with precision.

Forward Dylan Hayman also played a pivotal role, adding 16 points and grabbing six rebounds. His consistent play provided stability on both ends of the court.

The game began with UIW dominating early, establishing a 29-11 lead. However, Southeastern Louisiana responded with resilience, eventually taking a four-point lead in the second half. The contest featured seven ties and 17 lead changes, highlighting the intensity and competitiveness of both teams.

For the Lions, Sam Hines Jr. delivered an impressive performance, leading all scorers with 27 points and securing eight rebounds. Jakevion Buckley and Jeremy Elyzee contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively, showcasing the team's depth.

With this victory, UIW improves to a 17-15 overall record and advances to face the No. 3 in the tournament's next round. The Cardinals aim to build on this historic win as they continue their pursuit of the conference championship.

HCU Huskies hold off UIW Cardinals for 81-76 win

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 11, 2025) The Houston Christian University Huskies kicked off their four-game homestand with a thrilling 81-76 win over the University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals on Saturday afternoon at Sharp Gymnasium. Playing at home for the first time in over a month, the Huskies closed the game on an 8-2 run, locking up their second straight victory and improving to 6-10 overall and 3-2 in Southland Conference play.

The game started with an unusual twist: an administrative technical foul gave HCU a 1-0 lead before the opening tip. After that, both teams traded punches in a fast-paced first half. HCU’s Julian Mackey hit two three-pointers and led a scoring burst that turned a six-point deficit into a 41-36 halftime lead.

In the second half, the Cardinals cut into the Huskies’ lead, and the teams went back and forth. HCU looked to pull away midway through the half thanks to a hot streak from Bryson Dawkins and D’Aundre Samuels, who combined for 19 straight points. Dawkins hit four three-pointers in the game and finished with a team-high 17 points.

Despite HCU’s strong push, UIW stormed back late, taking a 74-73 lead with 3:46 left. But the Huskies wouldn’t be denied. stepped up with two clutch layups, including one with under two minutes remaining to reclaim the lead. Brooks finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.

HCU’s defense locked down the Cardinals in the final minutes, holding them to just two points over the last 3:46. Dawkins and Trent Johnson added key free throws to seal the win.

The Huskies shot a sizzling 54% from the field and matched their season-best with 11 three-pointers, hitting 52% from deep.

The Cardinals (9-7, 2-3 Southland) were led by Jordan Pyke’s 27 points, but their comeback fell short.

Next, the Huskies face conference leader McNeese State at Sharp Gym on Monday night at 7 p.m.

HCU Huskies wrap up historic season despite tough loss to UIW

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 18, 2023) The Houston Christian University Huskies football team concluded its most successful season to date with a hard-fought matchup against the 11th-ranked University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) Cardinals. Although the Huskies fell short, losing 45-24 at Husky Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The game kicked off with a promising start for the Huskies as they made a crucial fourth-down stop early on, showcasing their defensive prowess. However, HCU struggled to capitalize on this momentum, facing a formidable UIW defense. The Cardinals quickly seized control, with Zach Calzada connecting with Caleb Chapman for a 53-yard pass that set up a four-yard touchdown run by Isaiah Robinson, giving UIW an early 7-0 lead.

Despite facing challenges, the Huskies displayed resilience, and Ronald Wilson's interception provided a glimmer of hope. UIW, however, missed a field goal opportunity, giving the Huskies another chance. Unfortunately, HCU's offense faced difficulties, leading to a Cardinals touchdown and a 14-0 deficit.

HCU fought back, with Darryle Evans breaking a 26-yard run to set up a touchdown pass from Colby Suits to Calvin Wiggins. The Cardinals maintained control, extending their lead to 24-7 by halftime. The Huskies continued to battle in the second half, with a Dillon Fedor field goal and a touchdown run by Suits narrowing the gap to 45-17.

Despite the spirited effort, UIW's offensive proved decisive, securing the victory with a final score of 45-24. Colby Suits showcased his skills, passing for 202 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for another score. Offensive standouts included Evans with 67 rushing yards and Karl Reynolds with 58 receiving yards.

Defensively, Rodney Dansby led the charge for the Huskies with an impressive 13 tackles, while Isaiah Cash and Josh Ferguson contributed eight and seven tackles, respectively. However, UIW's Calzada stole the spotlight, finishing with 407 yards and four touchdown passes, connecting with Chapman for three of those scores.

HBU downs UIW in first round of Southland Conference tournament

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly 

Copyright 2022 All Rights Reserved

KATY, TEXAS (March 9, 2022) The No. 5 seeded HBU Huskies advanced to the second round of the 2022 Southland Conference Men's Basketball Tournament with a 74-64 win over the Incarnate Word Cardinals at the Leonard E. Merrell Center.

The Huskies, who raised their season record 11-17, shot 59% from the field and was paced by Khristion Courseault, who put up 19 points, shooting 8-of-12 from the field. Fellow starters Darious Lee, Sam Hofman, and Brycen Long also tallied double digits, with Lee adding 17 points, while Hofman and Long adding 11 each. Lee also recorded his sixth double-double of the season; pulling down 10 rebounds. Hofman also has 10 RBs, earning his second double-double of the season.

The number 8 seeded Cardinals had four players scoring in double digits. Drew Lutz led the way with 18 points, followed by Josh Morgan (17), RJ Glasper (12), and Brandon Swaby (10). UIW shot 41% from the field, 93% from the line, and 36% from the arc.

HBU pulled out to its largest lead of the game, 13 points, with 3:17 remaining in the game. The Cardinals were able to cut the Husky lead, but it was not enough, with HBU winning by 10. The Huskies also led the game with the lead (22:22), points in the paint, 46-22, second chance points (8-2), fast break points (8-5) and bench points (8-7). 

Incarnate Word finished the season with a 7-25 record in their last game in the Southland Conference, Next season, they will be joining the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). 

With the victory, HBU advanced to the second round of the tournament on Friday, March 10 where they will face the winner of McNeese State Cowboys vs. Northwestern State Demons matchup.

UIW's Celia Garcia Paunero Earns Southland Weekly Honor

Photo by Steve Slate
Used with Permission

Senior averaged 24.0 points, 19.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 3.5 blocks, and 2.5 steals per game

From Southland Conference and University of the Incarnate Word Press Release

FRISCO, TEXAS (January 23, 2017) Incarnate Word Cardinal senior forward Celia Garcia Paunero’s historic week on the hardwood did not go by unnoticed by the Southland Conference voters, as the Spaniard earned Southland Conference Player of the Week honors. Garcia Paunero averaged 24.0 points, 19.0 rebounds, 3.5 blocks, 3.0 assists and 2.5 steals against Southeastern Louisiana and Stephen F. Austin. She posted back-to-back 24-point outings, including a 24-point, 24-board performance in a win over the Lions on Thursday. Her 24 rebounds are the most in a game by anyone in the Southland Conference this season and is a school record. Garcia Paunero leads the league in rebounding and is third in scoring. She is also tied for 10th place nationally in double-doubles.

Garcia Paunero was quoted:  “I’m happy, but the most important thing is we got a big win on Thursday. We’re going to continue to work, get better, and get wins this upcoming week.”

Head Coach Christy Smith also stated: “We’re super proud of her. I think she’s had a lot of really good games, but just hasn’t been recognized, so this is awesome to see. To see her get 24 rebounds and 24 points is just an awesome reflection of how hard she plays. I think it also shows how hard her teammates play to get her the basketball and to find her.”

UIW hosts Abilene Christian on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 5:30 p.m. on “Greek Night" and will  play at Central Arkansas on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 2 p.m.