Nov. 24, 1999

Box Score

CHICAGO - Alex Scales led the University of Oregon with 12 points as the Ducks withstood a late rally to open its season with a victory, defeating the University of Illinois at Chicago at the UIC Pavilion by a score of 65-58.

The game appeared to be over as Oregon used a 12-3 run to build a 59-46 lead with just 3:15 remaining in the game. But the Flames mounted a furious comeback with sophomore Jordan Kardos scoring eight points in a 12-0 run that pulled UIC to within 59-58 with 50 seconds remaining.

The Flames could get no closer, however, as Oregon senior A.D. Smith connected on six of six free throw attempts in the game?s last 24 seconds to seal the victory.

"That was a very good team we played out there tonight," said UIC Head Coach Jimmy Collins. "I thought it was a game we had control of, but their experience showed at the end."

UIC senior Theandre Kimbrough scored 11 first half points en route to a game-high 18. Kardos and Joel Bullock also scored in double figures for UIC, with 10 and 12 points respectively.

UIC shut down Oregon?s transition game in the first half, holding the Ducks scoreless for the game?s first three and a half minutes while jumping out to an early 8-0 lead. The Flames led 27-22 at halftime. Oregon was forced into 17 first-half turnovers and 31 for the game.

"I don?t think I?ve ever been in a game where my team had 31 turnovers," said Oregon Head Coach Ernie Kent. "Their defense really shut us down early, but I think they tired out a little in the second half and we were finally able to get our transition game going."