In a game that saw 65 combined missed shots, scoring runs were few and far between for UIC (3-17, 0-9 HL) in a 58-37 loss to Northern Kentucky (7-13, 3-5 HL) Sunday afternoon at UIC Pavilion.

Northern Kentucky grabbed all the early momentum.  They converted two three-point plays in the first three minutes and started the game with a 14-2 lead before UIC called timeout to stem the tide.  The stoppage worked for the Flames, who made five of their six shots while holding the Norse to 0-for-4 from the floor after play resumed.  Terri Bender grabbed a weakside offensive rebound and laid it in, and later found Gabryelle Johnson underneath the rim for a layup of her own as part of the 10-3 run.

Once the second quarter started, Northern Kentucky reverted to their initial form.  They scored the first eight points of the period and by the time they had a 27-12 lead, two players (Rebecca Lyttle and Kasey Uetrecht) were already in double figures.  The Norse shot 59% in the first half and made 10 of 12 free throws.  UIC was whistled for 12 fouls; Northern Kentucky just one in the first 20 minutes.

The Flames were energized coming out of the locker room.  They made five of their first six shots after halftime, but NKU connected on a couple of timely three pointers during that span, and UIC was only able to shave three points off their 17 point halftime deficit.

Both teams went cold once the third quarter moved past its halfway point.  The squads combined to miss the final 17 shots of the third period, and the first seven of the fourth.  UIC suffered its worst shooting game in Horizon League play.  They made just 29.8% of their shots.  Gabryelle Johnson (4-7) and Melita Emanuel-Carr (2-5) were the only Flames to shoot better than 33% individually.  It was the Flames' lowest total output of the season.

Johnson and Brittany Byrd (8 points each) shared team high honors for UIC.  Taylor Toney had six points.  Byrd had a team high six rebounds, and Terri Bender scored five points, had three rebounds, a season high-tying seven assists, and three steals.

Uetrecht led everyone with 24 points, a season high, with four three pointers and eight rebounds.

The Flames will return to the court Saturday, when they host Valparaiso at 1 pm.