Jan. 15, 2010
Box Score
CHICAGO- Robo Kreps scored 20 points, but the UIC men's basketball team came up short in its city showdown against Loyola, 55-50, in a nationally-televised ESPNU contest at the UIC Pavilion on Friday night.
Brad Birton added eight points and a game-high 10 rebounds for the Flames (5-12, 1-6 Horizon League), while Jeremy Buttell scored eight points and pulled down seven rebounds.
Geoff McCammon scored a game-high 26 points for the Ramblers (12-5, 3-4 Horizon League).
Despite shooting 18.5 percent (5-for-27) from the field in the second half, UIC was down just three with 1:54 left after Kreps made a pair of free throws.
But the Flames could not end a field goal drought of nearly nine minutes, as UIC did not score a basket in the final 8:40.
After Birton missed the first of two free throws with five seconds left and the Flames down 53-50, he attempted to miss the second foul shot on purpose but was whistled for going over the line.
McCammon was fouled shortly after, and he sank both free throws to put the game away.
"We played good at points, but we just did some things down the stretch that are not conducive to winning," said UIC head coach Jimmy Collins.
The Flames led by as many as five in the first half and took a two-point lead into intermission before the rough offensive second half did them in.
Despite the result, the Flames were appreciative of the energy that the Pavilion crowd produced on Friday.
"Our fan base was awesome," said Kreps. "They were going crazy. They were great. Our students and our fans showed up and supported us and Loyola's fans came out and supported them, and the atmosphere was great."
UIC hosts Valparaiso next Thursday at 7 p.m.
Fans can listen to podcasts featuring exclusive interviews with UIC head coaches, staff and student-athletes in two ways:
1. Download the free UIC Athletics Widget and click on the "UIC Flames Podcasts" link
2. Download podcasts for free on iTunes by searching "UIC Flames."
Fans wishing to learn more about affordable and flexible UIC ticket plans are encouraged to call 312-413-UIC1 or visit www.uicflames.com and click on the "Tickets" tab on the Flames home page.
