Nov. 25, 2001

Box Score

Chicago, Illinois - The University of Illinois at Chicago women's basketball team claimed its second Home Run Inn Thanksgiving tournament title in the past three years, with a 92-51 thrashing of Alcorn State at the newly renovated UIC Pavilion on Sunday afternoon.

The victory improves UIC's record to 4-0, which is its best start since the 1995-96 season, which was the year the Flames won a Division I school record 17 games. Alcorn State drops to 1-1 for the 2001-02 campaign. Each player on the roster scored for the Flames on Sunday.

"I thought we were focused on what we were trying to get accomplished," UIC head coach Tim Eatman said. "I thought the kids took it as a challenge that they had good quickness and we weren't sure if we were as quick as they were.

"I think our kids are learning to play hard and show some maturity and that's what we are happy with."

Tournament MVP Zsuzsa Tarnai led the way for UIC with 17 points on 4-6 shooting from beyond the three-point arc. The Flames also received solid efforts from All-Tournament selections, Jaysie Chambers (10 points, 8 rebounds) and Consuela Hall (2 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists).

Also contributing for the Flames was senior forward Stesha Rhodes (11 points).

The frontcourt of Rhodes and Chambers proved to be a potent combination down low as the Flames outscored the Braves in the paint, 54-26.

UIC dominated from the beginning as the Flames opened up a 29-6, behind the efforts of seven points from senior Josie Cole (13 points) and six points apiece from junior LeKesha Williams (8 points) and Tarnai and never looked back.

"I told the kids I thank the Lord for where we are," Eatman said. "But we have a long way to go.

"We're happy with where we are," Eatman continued. "But you're going to see better things from this team before the year is over with."

UIC will be back in action on December 3rd, as they will open the Horizon League campaign against Wright State at 7:00 p.m. at the UIC Pavilion.