YPSILANTI, Mich. – Defense told the tale on Tuesday morning at the Convocation Center, as the Flames (1-4) fell 52-38 against Eastern Michigan (3-1). Both teams posted team highs in steals, and UIC also had its best showing on the boards, out-rebounding the Eagles 51-44.

First Half Highlights

• The Eagles made the game's first bucket early in the third minute, and they scored again nearly a minute later. Brittany Byrd got the Flames on the board with a steal at midcourt that she ran in and laid up, 4-2.
• Byrd sank a long jumper, but Eastern Michigan took the next eight with a pair of threes and a layup, 12-4. The Flames went on an 8-2 run to come within one possession, 14-12, but the Eagles sank a jumper and one to end the first quarter leading 17-12.
• The only points scored in the first half of the second quarter were by the Eagles, a free throw and a jumper, as the Flames offense fell silent. Kiarra Thompson broke the silence, taking an inbound pass from Taylor Toney under the basket, 23-14.
• The Eagles' lead grew to 13 by the end of the first half, 29-16.

Second Half Highlights

• The Flames were able to match the Eagles in the third quarter, as both teams scored 12, leaving the deficit the same, 41-28.
• Jada Nneji got the deficit down to 11 with a pair of layups, 43-32, but the Eagles quickly replied, 45-32.
• The Eagles had an answer for every UIC score, preventing the Flames from gaining any ground. Eastern Michigan finished the game on top, 52-38.

Facts & Figures

• The Flames had another new leading scorer, as Jada Nneji's eight points led the way.
• Taylor Toney and Brittany Byrd followed close behind, putting in seven points apiece.
• Toney led all players with 12 rebounds. She was particularly strong on the defensive side, tallying nine boards for the defense.
• Nneji and Thompson both brought in a season-best eight rebounds. Byrd boarded seven.
• The Flames were outshot, 30.4 percent to 26 percent. The Eagles also had more attempts, 69-50.
• Eastern Michigan had the advantage in the paint, 30-22, and it took 25 points from UIC's 31 turnovers. The Flames tallied 18 from 19 Eagles miscues.
• The two teams were evenly matched in second chance points, with Eastern Michigan holding the slight edge, 11-10. The Eagles bench also outscored UIC's 10-6.

Up Next

• The Flames will briefly return home for a home game against Miami University on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 11 a.m. CT.
• Following the home contest, UIC will once again hit the road for a pair of games, facing Evansville and Indiana State.