Jan. 2, 2013

CHICAGO - Women's basketball player Terri Bender has been named the UICFlames.com Student-Athlete of the Week for the period of Dec. 24-Dec. 30. Bender picked up the Horizon League's Newcomer of the Week award for her efforts in the Flames' victory last Friday night (Dec. 28) at home against Western Michigan.

"Terri keeps getting better every time she plays," said head coach Regina Miller. "She has already made tremendous strides since the start of the season and I expect her to continue to do so."

Against the Broncos, Bender posted a career-high 16 points and six made field goals, while shooting 6-of-11 (54.5%) from the field. The point guard also grabbed six boards and collected three steals.

Since finding a spot in the starting lineup the last five games, Bender is averaging 8.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. The Flames are 3-2 in that same span and tout a three-game home win streak, which they look to extend this Saturday against Butler at 3 p.m. CT.

Bender is the first women's basketball player to take home the UICFlames.com award since its inception at the start of the 2012-13 athletic season.