Dec. 6, 2008
Box Score
Chicago, Ill. - The UIC women's basketball team tied its best start in school history since 2001 after defeating Western Michigan, 53-45, on Saturday afternoon at the Pavilion.
Only two previous teams (2001-02, 1995-96) have recorded a 5-0 mark to kick off the season.
"I am so proud," said head coach Lisa Ryckbosch. "We stayed tough and came back with solid defense. These ladies are awesome and it feels really good to be 5-0."
Jasmine Bailey totaled a season-best 16 points and seven rebounds. Bailey, Cassie Johnson and Jessie Miller each tallied two blocked shots. Miller chipped in 10 points, three assists and a season-high five steals.
Miame Giden led the Broncos with 14 points.
UIC and Western Michigan both struggled offensively, scoring just eight total points in the first seven minutes of play. Trailing 13-4 halfway through the first half, the Flames recorded seven straight points to get within two at the 6:12 mark.
The Broncos answered with a 6-0 burst, but Miller ended the run on a jumper from the baseline. Shanice Sadler drained her first three-pointer of the season with 1:50 remaining in the half to cut the deficit to three points.
Despite a short jumper at the buzzer from Bailey, Western Michigan headed into halftime with a 24-18 lead.
WMU turned up the heat to open the second half with six unanswered points. UIC responded with four straight buckets to cut Western Michigan's lead to four points (30-26).
The momentum shifted with 11 minutes left in regulation. Down by nine, UIC posted an 8-0 run to get within one point (35-34).
Bailey knotted the game for the first time with 7:26 on the clock after completing a three-point play. UIC took a 39-37 lead on a quick layup from Johnson on the Flames' next possession.
The score knotted three more times before the Flames sealed their fifth straight victory with a final 10-2 run.
UIC wraps up six straight at home when they welcome Cal Poly to the Pavilion on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.
