Box Score Dec. 18, 2015 Final Stats
Denver, Colo. - Despite a cold shooting night UIC (7-1) was able to ease past Denver (2-9) on a chilly evening inside Magness Arena. The Flames ran their winning streak to five games and improved to 5-1 on the road as the non-conference road slate comes to an end.
Ruvanna Campbell (15 points, 17 rebounds) and Kendyl Nunn (10 points, 16 rebounds) each recorded a double-double to keep Denver at bay. Melita Emanuel-Carr also poured in 11 points. The 16-rebound performance for Nunn was one shy of her career best.
The game featured six ties and five lead changes. UIC started off lukewarm, shooting 6-17 (35.3%) but went cold quickly despite a 14-8 lead after the first period. The Flames were able to extend their lead to seven points early in the second period before the cold spell occurred. UIC ended the second period shooting just 3-15 (20%) and saw their lead disappear and settled for a 24-24 tie at halftime.
"I thought we handled the altitude well enough," said head coach Regina Miller. "We didn't play as up tempo as we like because we wanted to maximize our possessions."
In the third period the Flames scored the first two baskets to take a 28-24 lead but the Pioneers would make an 8-2 run to take a 32-30 lead. Taylor Toney scored her first collegiate basket on a driving layup that would tie the game at 32-32 with 2:48 remaining, but Denver would again make a late charge and end the period with a 37-34 lead.
The Flames turned up the heat on defense in the fourth period, limiting Denver to just nine points. Cate Soane (five points) scored on a go-ahead layup with 5:40 left to give UIC a 40-39 lead they would not relinquish. Denver cut the lead to 46-44 with 1:37 remaining before Melissa Grossfeld nailed a three pointer to seal the win. It marked the fourth time in the last five games UIC has needed a fourth period comeback to pull out the victory. The 46 points allowed are the lowest this season.
"I was pleased we were able to hang in there and make plays down the stretch and pull out this win," said Miller. "Lately we have been in some tight games and we have learned how to win. Being on the road for six of the first eight games and winning five out of six is a plus for us heading into conference play."
"Now we get to head home for a three-game stretch and get the support from our fans," said Miller.
The Flames return home for a Sunday afternoon matchup on Dec. 20 vs. Toledo at 3:00 pm CT inside the UIC Pavilion. For ticket information, call the UIC ticket office at 312-413-UIC1.
UIC Assists: Ruvanna Campbell is 10 rebounds shy of 1,000 for her career ... she would become just the fifth player in UIC history to tally 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds ... UIC shot 29 percent (18-62) for the game and out rebounded Denver by a 51-33 margin ... the Flames concluded the non-conference road schedule with a 5-1 record ... Kendyl Nunn posted her first double-double of the season (second career) ... was one rebound shy of matching her career best (17) ... Taylor Toney scored her first collegiate basket and finished with four points and three rebounds ... Cate Soane has recorded three blocked shots in consecutive games.
