Jan. 19, 2006
Box Score
Chicago, Ill. - Despite career high efforts from senior Justin Bowen and freshman Josh Mayo, the UIC men's basketball dropped a heartbreaking 87-83 decision to visiting Cleveland State on Thursday night in front of 4,271 at the UIC Pavilion.
Bowen totaled his sixth double-double of the year for the Flames, finishing with a personal-best 26 points and 13 rebounds. Mayo recorded a career-high 22 points, including four-three pointers, while adding five assists.
The loss was the fifth straight for the Flames, who fell to 8-10 on the year and 1-5 in the Horizon League. The Vikings moved to 7-9 overall and 3-3 in league play with the win.
Cleveland State had five players score in double figures, paced by Raheem Moss' 16 points. Guard Carlos English chipped in with 15 points and nine assists.
The Vikings pounded the boards hard, out-rebounding UIC, 46-40, including 24 offensive rebounds that led to 27 second-chance points.
Trailing 85-83 in the final moments, UIC had a shot to tie the game, but sophomore Karl White's driving bank shot rimmed out with :04 left. Cleveland State's Victor Morris was fouled on the rebound and calmly converted two free throws on the other end to seal the victory.
The Flames owned a seven-point lead, 51-44, early in the second half, but the Vikings clawed their way back to eventually take the lead 68-67 on a three-pointer from Moss at the 9:07 mark.
Cleveland State would build its advantage to six, 77-71, with 6:08 remaining. UIC would get as close as one on three occasions, but never regained the lead.
UIC will be back in action on Saturday when they travel to Calihan Hall to take on the Detroit Titans at 3:00 p.m. CST.
