Box Score Jan. 10, 2016 Box Score
ROCHESTER, Mich. -- Freshman forward Dikembe Dixson matched a career high with 28 points, but UIC did not have the firepower to keep up with Oakland Sunday as the Golden Grizzlies picked up an 86-61 victory on the Blacktop at the O'rena.
As was the case in UIC's last contest at Detroit, the Flames struggled to score the basketball in the first half. The visitors shot a shade above 30 percent in the first half, and despite converting at a clip of over 43 percent in the final 20 minutes, the halftime deficit was too great to overcome.
The Flames had some successes on the defensive end in the early going, but its offensive sputtered at times and helped Oakland get out to a double-digit advantage. The Golden Grizzlies capitalized on 11 first-half turnovers, converting those miscues into 15 points. UIC had a lone point of an OU turnover and the home team held a 14-point lead at the half, 35-14.
The visitors shot 32 percent from the field and 50 percent from the free-throw line in the first half to assist the home team in building a 14-point cushion.
UIC took much better care of the rock in the second period, as it was charged with only four turnovers. Oakland was equally as protective of its possessions though, as it was charged with only one in the second half and five for the entire game. That marks the second time this season that an opponent turned it over only five times.
Oakland did significant damage at the charity stripe in its victory. The Golden Grizzlies shot 78 percent (32-of-41) from the stripe, while UIC made only 14 of its 22 free-throw attempts (63.6 percent).
Dixson's 28 points led all players Sunday. Oakland guard Kay Felder, however, showed why he is one of the country's top scorers. He poured in 26 points on 11-of-17 shooting from the field. Michael Kolawole, who made his first collegiate start Sunday, and Najeal Young added eight points apiece for UIC. Young finished just shy of his first double-double at UIC as he led the squad with eight rebounds.
The Flames will be back at the UIC Pavilion on Thursday, January 14 to host the Green Bay Phoenix in the Horizon League home opener at 7 p.m. UIC will also host the Milwaukee Panthers on Saturday, January 16 at 3 p.m. Tickets are still available to both matchups and can be obtained by calling 312-413-UIC1 (8421) or visiting Ticketmaster today.
UIC Notes: UIC used its 12th different starting lineup in its 14th game of the season … Michael Kolawole became the 11th different Flame to earn a starting nod this season … Tai Odiase and Dikembe Dixson have started all 14 games for UIC … Dixson led the Flames in scoring for the seventh time this season and he reached 20 points or more for the fifth time overall and the third time in four games … He played a career-high 40 minutes … Najeal Young led UIC in rebounding for the fourth time with a career-high eight boards Sunday … Jake Wiegand had seven rebounds, most since opening night vs. San Francisco (9) … The Flames were limited to one blocked shot for the second time this season … Lance Whitaker registered the rejection Sunday … UIC used at least six players off the bench for the 13th time in 14 games under Steve McClain … The Flames tied an opponent on the boards (34 ea.) for the second time this season and the first since Nov. 17 at Western Illinois … Oakland's Kay Felder scored 26 points, the most by a UIC opponent this season.
