Dec. 16, 2011

Final Box Score

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - Junior guard Daniel Barnes scored a career-high 20 points to lead three Flames in double figures, but the UIC men's basketball team came up short in a 70-67 decision versus Central Michigan at McGuirk Arena Friday night. Three-of the Flames' last four games have now been decided by just one possession.

With the setback, UIC moves to 3-7 on the season, while Central Michigan upped its record to 5-5.

Barnes' scoring output was fueled by four three-pointers, and a career-best seven field goals. He was joined in double figures by sophomore transfer Hayden Humes, who chipped in 16 points. Senior center Darrin Williams also scored 13 points, 10 in the first half, and corralled a game-high nine rebounds. CMU was led by Andre Coimbra, who poured in a game-high 22 points on nine field goals.

UIC held a 67-66 lead with just 53 seconds remaining, but CMU scored the game's final four points, including a pair of free throws by Austin McBroom with just 2.7 seconds left. Barnes' potential game-tying three-pointer on the ensuing possession came up short, preserving the Chippewas' comeback win.

UIC jumped out to a quick start, building a 15-7 lead just under five minutes into the game (15:11). CMU then went on a 15-7 run, eventually taking their first lead, 23-22, with 5:51 remaining in the first half. That advantage was extended to seven points (29-22) after Coimbra scored four quick points.

The Flames responded with a 6-3 spree, pulling within 32-28with 1:49 remaining after two free throws by junior point guard Gary Talton. After Williams scored with 1:10 left in the half to pull the Flames within two (32-30), CMU's Derek Jackson scored on a jumper with 39 seconds remaining, as the Chippewas took a 34-30 lead into the locker room at halftime.

UIC opened the second half on a commanding 9-4 run, and took its first lead of the frame, 39-38, after a driving layup by freshman point guard Greg Travis (15:13). There were a combined 13 ties and lead changes in the ensuing 9:37, before Barnes' fourth three-pointer gave UIC a 58-55 lead with 5:50 remaining.

CMU re-gained the advantage, 59-58, after a field goal by Coimbra, with 3:39 remaining. Humes responded with four-straight points, including two clutch free throws out of the final media timeout, as the Flames extended their lead back to three, 62-59, with 2:22 left. CMU's Trey Zeigler answered with a three from the corner on the other end, tying the game at 62-62.

Travis then converted a pair of free throws (1:50), pushing UIC back on top, 64-62. But Jackson countered with a three-pointer from the wing, as the Chippewas climbed back on top, 65-64, with 1:29 remaining. UIC was again clutch from the free throw line, as Barnes drew the foul on John Morris, and swished both freebies to give the Flames a 66-65 advantage with 1:17 left on the clock.

On the ensuing possession, as the shot clock was winding down, senior Paris Carter was whistled for a flagrant "1" foul, sending Jackson to the free throw line, where he split 1-of-2 attempts. UIC then forced a defensive stop when the Chippewas had ensuing possession of the ball, and Carter was fouled by Coimbra. He hit 1-of-2 free throws, and gave the Flames their final lead, 67-66, with just 53 ticks left.

UIC forced another defensive stop on CMU's next possession, but Coimbra corralled a loose ball on Zeigler's missed jumper, and laid the ball in, as the Chips jumped back ahead, 68-67 (00:27). UIC had possession of the ball with the opportunity to take the lead, but as Travis drove the lane, he was stripped, a jump ball was called, and CMU was awarded possession with just 3.6 seconds left. The Flames then fouled McBroom on the ensuing inbound, and he hit both free throws. Barnes' potential game-tying shot came from the right wing, about 26 feet from the basket - the shot was short as time expired.

UIC boasted a resounding 32-21 advantage on the boards, including 11 offensive rebounds. The Flames also shot a season-best 75 percent (15-20) from the free throw line. There were a combined 27 ties and lead changes in the game.

UIC will return home to host in-state foe Western Illinois next Monday (Dec. 19). Tip-off from the UIC Pavilion is set for 7:30 p.m. CST, and the game will be preceded by the women's basketball team taking on Roosevelt University at 5 p.m. CST.