Jan. 4, 2010
Box Score
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - It was the tale of two halves in Monday night's game between the UIC women's basketball team and Butler and in the end the visiting Flames emerged with their second straight win, 75-70.
UIC (5-8, 2-0 Horizon League) saw a 17-point second-half lead completely eliminated by Butler (8-5, 1-1 Horizon League), but the Flames got a big block from senior Cassie Johnson made their free throws when they counted to put away the win.
Trailing by three points with eight seconds to play, the Bulldogs got the ball in the hands of Brittany Bowen who thought she had a good look at a three-pointer from the left wing, until Johnson came flying for her fourth and most important rejection of the night.
Jasmine Bailey came up with the ball and was fouled with 0.2 to play. She buried both free throws to secure the win for the Flames.
"I think Butler is one of the best teams in the league," said head coach Lisa Ryckbosch after the game. For us to come in to their place and get this win is enormous."
Bailey led the Flames with a season-high 19 points and six assists. The sophomore also added 10 rebounds and four steals for the victors.
The Flames scored their most points in a half this season with 44 in the opening frame tonight. Ryckbosch's squad also shot a season-best 63.3 percent (19-for-30) in the first half and 62.5 percent (five-for-eight) from distance. UIC took a 44-31 lead into the half.
"Every game has a life of its own," said an excited Ryckbosch. "Obviously you hate to give up a lead like that and yet they're too good of a team to let us come in here and grab the game like we did in the first half."
Freshman Taylor Foulks led three Flames in double figures in the first half with 13 points while Jasmine Bailey and Shameia Green both added 10.
Melanie Thornton led the way for Butler, pacing all scorers with 24 points and grabbing a game-high 13 rebounds.
The loss was Butler's first at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse this season.
With four blocks on the night, Johnson moved past Valerie O'Neill and into second place on UIC's all-time blocked shots list. The Apple Valley, Minn. native now has 143 rejections in a Flames uniform and trails the school's all-time leader, Sharon Carroll by six blocks.
The Flames are now 2-0 in Horizon League play and head coach Lisa Ryckbosch is very pleased with her team's start in early January.
"Years ago we'd stumble to open up and then we're fighting out of a hole the entire season. To have this road win here under our belt along with our win at Valpo is important. Now that it's conference, we're on track to where we want to be."
The Flames return home for two more Horizon League games this weekend, beginning with a contest on Thursday night against Youngstown State. That game will be available live at www.horizonleaguenetwork.tv. The voice of the Flames, Jordan Bernfield will call all the action beginning at 6:45 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.
