Jan. 22, 2004

Chicago, Ill.- Like the old saying goes, "the second time's a charm."

That's what the UIC men's gymnastics team hopes for this Saturday night. For the second time this season, the No. 14 Flames will host the No. 1-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes at the UIC Physical Education Building.

The festivities begin at 7 p.m.

On January 10th, Ohio State and four other ranked Big Ten powers entered the PEB for the season-opening Windy City Invitational. The Buckeyes claimed the event crown, defeating all five teams with a team score of 215.75.

But this time the two teams won't have four other squads in the mix.

The Flames (1-4) will compete in their first head-to-head matchup of the season. Last week the undefeated Buckeyes (6-0) downed the University of Minnesota, another Windy City participant, with a dominating 217.10-210.250 dual meet performance.

UIC is fresh off an outstanding upset of then-No. 8 Minnesota at the Windy City Invitational, turning in a 208.80 team tally and beating the Gophers by more than three points.

Head Coach "CJ" Johnson and Co. will need an even bigger performance in front of their home crowd if they hope to keep pace with the nation's best. After earning a win against one of the nation's Top Ten teams, though, the Flames are as confident and prepared as ever to knock off another.

Doors open for this spectacular at 5:30 p.m.