Nov. 1, 2011
CHICAGO - The UIC men's basketball team will hold its first-of-two home exhibition games Wednesday, when the Flames host the University of Chicago at the UIC Pavilion beginning at 7 p.m. CST.
UIC participated in the annual Red vs. Blue scrimmage at the Pavilion last Friday (Oct. 28), unveiling the 2011-12 squad to Flames fans. The Red team topped the Blue squad in both scrimmages, and in the ensuing three-point and dunk contests, freshman Rob Robinson and senior Paris Carter were the respective champions.
The Flames began official practices on Oct. 15. UIC returns two starters from last season's team, including seniors Darrin Williams and Paris Carter. Head coach Howard Moore and his staff will also welcome nine newcomers to the mix, including seven freshmen, four of which are Chicago natives.
The University of Chicago is coming off a 10-15 (7-7 University Athletic Association) campaign in 2010-11. Among the Maroons' notable returnees is senior Matt Johnson, who was named to The Sporting News College Basketball Preview's preseason All-America Team for NCAA Division III.
An honorable mention selection, Johnson earned D3hoops.com and National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-Midwest Region accolades a year ago after averaging 17.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.
Last Friday's scrimmages, which were open to the public, were separated into one 20:00 half (running clock), followed by a 10:00 stanza. In the first half, the Red team edged the Blue squad, 24-18. Williams scored a team-high eight points for the Red team, while senior guard Daniel Barnes added 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting for the Blue squad.
Moore shuffled the line-up in the second stanza, with Carter, Wililams, junior guard Gary Talton, freshman guard Marc Brown, sophomore forward Hayden Humes, senior guard Matt Bush and Barnes making up the Red team. The Blue squad was comprised of freshmen Greg Travis, Jerome Brown, Ahman Fells, Will Simonton, Sammy Sutter and Robinson, along with senior center Dorian Tyler.
In the second half, the Red team topped the Blue squad, 26-17. Travis led all scorers with 10 points, including two three-pointers, while Carter led a balanced offensive output with six points for the Red team. Talton dished out four assists against zero turnovers in the half. In the two combined scrimmages, Williams scored a team-high 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting.
For season tickets, contact the UIC Athletic Ticket Office at 312-413-UIC1, or log onto UICFlames.com.
