Dec. 30, 2008
Box Score
San Diego, Calif. - Tough defense and a strong offensive outing led the UIC women's basketball to an 83-63 victory over New Mexico State in the consolation game of the Maggie Dixon Surf `N Slam Classic in San Diego, Calif. on Tuesday night.
Not only did the Flames snap a four-game losing streak, but the squad also picked up its widest winning margin (20) and most points in a game (80) this season against the Aggies.
"I feel like we finally got the monkey off our back," said head coach Lisa Ryckbosch. "The team played together and if we continue to execute like this every game, we will be extremely successful for the remainder of the season."
Nikki Grobbecker picked up her first double-double this year with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Jasmine Bailey was one point shy of her second career double-double with nine points and 11 boards.
Jessie Miller chipped in 19 points in the win, while Shameia Green and Shanice Sadler tallied a season-best six assists each.
In addition, Miller and Bailey were named to the Maggie Dixon Surf `N Slam All-Tournament team. Miller averaged 14.0 points per game, draining four three-pointers in two games. Bailey was 13-for-17 (.765) from the field, averaging 15 points and eight rebounds per game.
Tabytha Wampler led New Mexico State with 12 points.
UIC rolled to an 18-6 lead to open the first half against the Aggies.
Trailing by 14 points halfway through the first stanza, NMSU rallied to get within seven points on a 17-5 run with 5:44 on the clock.
The Flames rebounded with a 10-4 burst to head into intermission with a 47-32 lead.
UIC grabbed an 18-point lead within the first two minutes of the second half, but New Mexico State drained five unanswered points to cut the deficit to 13.
The Flames quickly squashed NMSU's momentum with seven straight points, eventually taking a 20-point lead on a layup from Kristin Petrinec with 5:23 remaining in regulation.
The Flames open Horizon League action against Wright State on Saturday, Jan. 3 at the UIC Pavilion. The two teams are set to collide at 4:30 p.m. CST.
