MOUNT PLEASANT, MICH. - All the University of Illinois at Chicago men's basketball team could do was watch its non-conference battle with Central Michigan slip away.
The Chippewas converted 30 of 36 free throws to secure the 70-56 victory over the Flames at Rose Arena on Saturday afternoon. UIC, in fact, recorded 20 field goals to Central Michigan's 19.
For the game, UIC shot 33.9% (20-59 FG) from the field while the Chippewas shot at a 46.3% (19-41 FG) clip.
Junior guard Taurus Cook topped the Flames with 11 points while senior guard Joel Bullock chipped in 10 points. Senior center Thor Solverson added six points and 11 rebounds for UIC (1-2).
The first half was a see-saw battle that featured three ties and four lead changes.
The Chippewas held a four-point advantage three times in the early stages of the game before UIC got a layup from Cory Little to take an 18-17 lead at the 8:12 mark.
CMU quickly took back the lead on a layup by Luke Johnson and built its lead backup to six points (24-18) before the Flames tied it up at 25-25 with 4:49 to play in the half.
The Chippewas regained the lead and went into the half with a 33-28 advantage.
Early on in the second half, UIC cut that lead to 36-33 behind a pair of free throws from Solverson and a three-pointer from Jordan Kardos. Central Michigan then took control and went on a 25-9 run to secure the victory.
David Webber scored a game-high 24 points for Central Michigan (3-0) while teammates Mike Manciel and Gerrit Brigitha each added 11 points apiece.
