Nov. 11, 2006
Box Score
Chicago, Ill. - The women's basketball team handed Western Michigan an 87-83 loss in both team's regular season openers. Senior Krystal Hugelier shot 53.8 percent from the field (7-for-13) and 57.1 percent (4-for-7) from three-point land to help the Flames in the win.
In her regular season collegiate debut, freshman Jessie Miller shot 85.7 percent, totaling 21 points, while adding a team-high six rebounds, three steals and dishing out six assists against the Broncos. Senior LaShonda Grant notched 15 points and Jacquay Holmes was one point away from a double figure game with nine.
Western Michigan's Carrie Moore paced the Broncos with 27 points, hitting 9 of 21 from the field. Moore and Sara Vest each chipped in a team-high eight rebounds on the night.
The Flames controlled the game in the first half, shooting 64.3 percent from the field and 80 percent from beyond the arc. UIC coasted into halftime with a 49-33 advantage.
"We executed extremely well in the first half," said head coach Lisa Ryckbosch.
The Broncos began to chip away at UIC's lead in the second half, sparking a 9-2 run at the 15:40 mark (58-53). Western Michigan stayed close, eventually taking a one-point advantage late in the half (74-73). With 3:07 left in regulation, UIC regained the lead and held on for an 87-83 win over WMU.
"Many players contributed and we made Western Michigan work for their points," said Ryckbosch. "We responded well when they came back, which showed how well the team can respond and what great character we have on this squad."
The Flames host Big Ten foe Illinois at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 7:00 p.m.
