The UIC Flames (4-18, 1-10 HL) will conclude their five game homestand with a Saturday afternoon tilt against Youngstown State (7-15, 3-8 HL).  The Flames are seeking their second win in three games after coming up just short against Cleveland State Thursday.  The game will be the team's annual Stop the Violence Game, as well as the Alumni Game.

The Cleveland State contest Thursday night came down to the last few possessions, when the Vikings stood tall and pulled out a four point win.  A Tyra Carlsten-Handberg three got UIC within two points in the final 30 seconds, but they were forced to foul and the Vikings made their free throws to wrap up the game.  The lead changed hands 11 times over the course of the game, and there were eight ties.  Taylor Toney had a double-double, the first of her career, scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.  Carlsten-Handberg, the current Horizon League Freshman of the Week, matched Toney for team high honors with 12 points.

The Flames began the game with their 10^th different starting lineup of the season, one that featured two sophomores and a freshman.  "Our underclassmen have a lot of talent and potential, and I think they can form the core of a good team down the road," head coach Regina Miller said.  But she noted the value of experience, especially in Horizon League play, continuing, "we need our seniors to provide the leadership to finish strong this season."

Youngstown State won the first matchup between the teams by a 70-54 score on Jan. 12.  UIC had a first half lead and the game was tied at the break, but a five point third quarter doomed the Flames.  They were able to close within five points in the fourth quarter until Morgan Brunner helped the Penguins rebuild a 14 point lead and close out the game.  Brunner led all scorers with 20, while Terri Bender paced UIC with a season high 13.

The Penguins come into Chicago on a five game losing streak.  They fell to Valparaiso 77-60 Thursday night and have not won a road game all year (0-10).  Against the Crusaders, Alison Smolinski had a team high 14 points and made 4 of 6 three pointers.  She is in the top 10 in scoring within conference play and is making 50% of her threes.  Jenna Hirsch boasts an outstanding assist to turnover ratio of 2.6.  The team is last in conference rebounding, but is in the top 3 in turnover margin.

Prior to tipoff, the Flames will make a special presentation to Flora White, who lost her son to gun violence.  At halftime, local pastor Charles Moodie will address the crowd.  UIC has also invited all basketball alumni, supporters, and friends to a reception in the McWilliams Suite.  After the game, all fans are invited to the Dragon's Den for a free meet and greet session with the team.  The game will start at 3:00 pm and the meet and greet will take place immediately following the final horn.

Those unable to attend in person can follow along by watching ESPN3 and logging on to uicflames.com for live stats.  Be sure to Follow @UIC_WBasketball for in-game updates!