Box Score Feb. 11, 2016
Detroit, Mich. -- On field trip day at Detroit it was definitely an adventure for the visiting UIC Flames who came away with a 65-51 win in the early morning contest. The win snapped a two-game skid and pushed the Flames over the .500 mark.
The day began with UIC experiencing bus trouble on the way to the arena followed by issues with the basket during pregame warmups. Those problems seemed to persist once the game started as Detroit spotted the Flames an early 2-0 lead that was quickly erased. UIC possessed a lead just two times in the first half despite shooting 40.6 percent and trailed by as many as six points on multiple occasions. The Flames trailed 31-28 at halftime with Ruvanna Campbell (26 pts, 11 reb.) being UIC's only offense scoring 16 of the team's points.
"We didn't defend as well as we wanted to in the first half," said head coach Regina Miller. "After we figured out some things in the flow of the game, we did a better job."
The second half was a totally different game with the Flames firing on all cylinders. The Flames shot 14-31 (45.2%) including 5-8 (80%) from three point range. UIC took its first lead of the half at 32-31 on Campbell's jumper with 6:48 in the third period. When Campbell picked up her fourth foul with 2:18 left, UIC went to Kendyl Nunn (13 points) who scored five straight points to stretch the lead to 43-39. However it was freshman Desiree Jackson that provided the defensive intensity that limited Detroit to eight points in the period.
"Desiree was the player of the game for us today," said Miller. "Despite having limited playing time, she stepped up and was prepared for her moment (mentally and physically), having to defend someone bigger than her. Desiree was the glue with her play on both ends of the court."
With the Flames leading 45-43 in the fourth period, Marissa Grossfeld (11 points) nailed a key three-pointer that gave UIC some breathing room. From that point UIC never relinquished the lead and extended it to as many as 14 points. Imani Moore who played the entire game added five points and a team-high 13 rebounds.
"We played our roles well, the offense was spread around and we scored in a variety of ways," said Miller. "We had good balance and different players hit key shots. This team has a "never say never" mentality. Overall it was good team effort."
UIC continues the Michigan swing with an 11:00 a.m. CT start at Oakland on Saturday.
UIC Assists: Desiree Jackson played a career high 16 minutes ... UIC outscored Detroit 37-20 in the second half ... Ruvanna Campbell needs 116 rebounds to break the Horizon League record for career rebounds ... posted her sixth straight double-double and 16th of the season ... Campbell became UIC's all-time leader in field goals made (640) overtaking Sharon Caroll ... also moved into third place all-time on the school scoring list with 1,539 points.
