Box Score Feb. 16, 2016 Box Score
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- UIC freshman Dikembe Dixson scored a career-high 40 points Tuesday night, but the Flames fell a point short in a double-overtime outcome against the Youngstown State Penguins, 92-91.
Youngstown State's Matt Donlan tipped in the game-winner on a scramble in the lane after Cameron Morse missed a jump shot from in close.
Dixson's offensive effort was the best-ever by a UIC freshman, and it was the second-highest scoring performance by any player in program history. The Freeport, Ill., native scored 40 points on 41-percent from the floor. The newcomer grabbed a career-high 17 rebounds, also leading all players, as he secured his sixth career double-double. Dixson played a career-high 50 minutes.
Dixson is the 20th player and third freshman to score at least 40 points in an NCAA game this season. Chuck Lambert holds UIC's single-game scoring record after he dumped in 43 points against Trinity on Jan. 27, 1974. He is the only NCAA Division I player to score at least 40 points and register at least 15 rebounds in a game this season; he's the first to do it since Iowa State's Melvin Ejim had 48 points and 18 rebounds against TCU on Feb. 10, 2014.
The game was tied at 81-81 headed into the second extra session. Donlan scored first for YSU, but Lance Whitaker gave UIC a one-point lead with 3:18 to go with a layup. That basket sparked an 8-1 run that put the Flames ahead, 91-85, with 1:23 remaining. The Penguins got three free throws from Jordan Andrews and a putback from Jorden Kaufman with 29.4 seconds to go to make it a one-point game. Dixson was fouled on the other end, but he came up short in both free-throw attempts, setting up the game-winner for Youngstown State.
In the first overtime, Dixson began the scoring with a layup 25 seconds in. Just over a minute later he beat the shot clock with a deep 3-pointer to put his team up by three. Both offenses slowed before it was Kaufman who gave the Penguins an 81-80 advantage with seven seconds to play. Whitaker charged ahead and got to the rim, where he was fouled with 2.9 seconds to go. The redshirt sophomore split a pair at the charity stripe to force the second extra session.
The game was tied at the half, but UIC used a 12-2 run to grab a nine-point cushion with 8:56 remaining. The Flames would never trail in regulation after grabbing their second nine-point lead of the night, but Morse's jumper with 1:09 remaining would tie the game and ultimately force the first overtime.
After falling behind, 11-7, in the early stages of the contest, UIC ripped off an eight-point run that spanned an even two minutes to grab a 15-11 lead with 12:46 to go in the first stanza. Youngstown State quickly tied the game back up, but the Flames were undeterred. The visiting team ripped off a 9-0 run this time, capped by a thunderous dunk from the reigning Horizon League Co-Player of the Week, Tai Odiase. Odiase's slam off a pretty feed from Whitaker came with 9:35 to go in the first half, and it prompted the Penguins to call their second timeout of the half.
The UIC lead was eight points with just under eight minutes to go in the first half, but the Penguins regained their composure and eventually tied the score at 33 points with 4:01 remaining in the period. The Penguins built the lead to four points, but Dixson scored the final four points of the half for the Flames to even the ledger at 39-39 at the break.
The free-throw line played a significant role in Tuesday's game. The Flames converted on only nine of their 24 attempts, while the home shot 81 percent in 21 trips. UIC made three-of-seven free throws in the final 10 minutes, while YSU hit five-of-seven.
Dixson, the seven-time Horizon League Freshman of the Week, was not the only player in blue to step up in northeast Ohio. Odiase finished one point and one rebound shy of career highs in both categories, finishing with 22 points and 12 rebounds; seven of those boards came on the offensive end. The center added six blocks in a career-high 46 minutes of play. Whitaker netted a career-high 12 points, while handing out a game-high eight helpers and corralling seven boards. Backcourt-mate Gabe Snider was also a force on the glass with a career-high eight caroms. As a team, UIC hauled in a season-high 63 rebounds.
Dixson led UIC with 12 points in the first half before exploding for 28 in the game's final 30 minutes. His 39 field-goal attempts were the most in a single game by a UIC player, and the most by any NCAA player this season. The previous program record had been 31, accomplished by both Kenny Williams and Sherrell Ford. Dixson's field-goal percentage (41 percent) was his best since shooting 50 percent at Wright State (9-of-18) on Jan. 24.
The Flames will return to the Windy City on Friday, February 19, to take on the Detroit Titans at 7 p.m. Prior to the game, UIC Hall of Famer Kenny Williams will have his No. 11 raised to the rafters and retired by the Flames in a pregame ceremony. Fans are encouraged to be inside the UIC Pavilion by 6:30 p.m. to enjoy the festivities. Tickets are available by calling 312-413-UIC1 (8421) or visiting Ticketmaster now.
