Feb. 18, 2010
Box Score
GREEN BAY, Wis.- The UIC women's basketball team was shorthanded on Thursday night against the Green Bay Phoenix and they were worn down in the second half, falling 64-45 at the Kress Events Center.
The Flames (11-14, 8-6 Horizon League) held tough with the first-place Phoenix (21-3, 10-3 Horizon League) early on, carrying a four-point advantage into the half.
UIC took care of the basketball in the first half, committing only five turnovers while forcing Green Bay into 11 miscues. The Flames defensive effort held the Phoenix to 29.6 percent (eight-for-27) from the field in the opening frame and to just one field goal in the final 9:17 of the half.
"It was an ugly basketball game," said UIC head coach Lisa Ryckbosch. "Neither team shot the ball very well, but there are still ways to win games when that happens. I thought we did a great job in the first half and I feel like we completely fell apart in the second half."
Green Bay quickly turned an eight-point deficit with 17:41 to play into an 11-point lead less than eight minutes later. The Phoenix would never look back, leading by as 22 in the second half.
"The first three minutes, we came out strong, but as soon as they started to make a run, which we fully expected them to do, we started throwing the ball all over the gym, we started giving up second shots left and right and we just didn't defend," said Ryckbosch.
"We let the frustration take the wind out of our sails."
UIC turned it over 11 times in the second half. The scoring output of 45 points in the game marks a season-low for the Flames.
The starting backcourt for UIC of Jessie Miller, Shameia Green and Taylor Foulks combined to shoot just 24 percent (nine-for-37) on the night. As a team, the Flames were 18-for-57 (31.6 percent) from the floor.
UIC continued to struggle from the free-throw line on Thursday, converting on just 46.7 percent (seven-for-15) of their attempts from the charity stripe.
Kayla Tetschlag tied her career high with 25 points. She scored 14 of Green Bay's 20 first-half points.
Celeste Hoewisch added 17 points for the Phoenix, all of which came in the game's final 20 minutes.
Jasmine Bailey led the Flames with eight points and 11 rebounds. Kiara Strickland chipped in with six points and three rebounds off the bench.
UIC will wrap up this brief two-game road trip on Saturday afternoon when they take on the Milwaukee Panthers at 2:00 p.m. CT.
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.
