CHICAGO -- UIC's
Tarkus Ferguson saw a potential game-winning 3-pointer rim out at the buzzer, and IUPUI escaped Credit Union 1 Arena with a 66-64 win Friday evening.
Godwin Boahen tied his career high with six three-pointers, but the Flames (7-9, 1-2 Horizon) were unable to overcome 30 points from
Camron Justice and a 61.5 percent shooting night from downtown by the Jaguars (9-7, 1-2 Horizon).
With three seconds left and the Flames trailing by three, Ferguson brought the ball across halfcourt and appeared to rise into his shooting motion before Nick Rogers made contact with him. The foul was ruled to take place on the floor, however, and Ferguson was awarded just two free throws. He made both, and UIC was forced to foul right away.
Elyjah Goss split his pair at the line, leading to Ferguson's last ditch effort from inside half court.
First-Half Headlines
- TROUBLE FROM THE TIP: UIC got off to a woefully sluggish start Friday night as IUPUI helped convert three quick turnovers into a 10-0 lead in just under three minutes. It would take more than three minutes after that point for the Flames to get their first points of the day as Boahen buried the first of his six 3-point shots with 6:15 elapsed from the clock.
- CHIPPED AWAY: The Flames gained their composure and steadily made a dent in the Jaguar lead. UIC trailed 21-10 with 10:37 remaining in the period, but a lengthy 14-4 run eventually brought the home team within a point. A 3-pointer from Ferguson with 4:36 to go made it a one-possession game before Marcus Ottey drew a foul and made both free throws to make it 25-24 in favor of IUPUI. UIC could not make it over the hump in the first half, however, and the Jaguars maintained a 29-25 lead at the break.
Second-Half Headlines
- READY TO ROLL: For as frustrating as the start to the game was for UIC, the opening of the second half could not have gone much better. Ottey and Ferguson scored in succession to tie the game on the first two possessions for the Flames before Ferguson fired off a 3-pointer that tickled the twine and gave the home team its first lead of the contest, 32-29. After IUPUI called timeout less than 90 seconds into the period, Evan Hall scored inside to stop the bleeding. The Flames had a quick answer with another Boahen triple that gave UIC would finish as its largest lead of the game at four points.
- CALL IT A COMEBACK: After seeing IUPUI push its lead to seven points with 10:05 to go, UIC sparked another rally. A 11-2 run that featured big baskets from Jamie Ahale, Jordan Blount and Ferguson, plus two free throws from Jacob Wiley evened the ledger at 49-49 with 6:25 left. Then Ottey knifed inside to score after the defense got a stop to put the Flames in front.
- JUSTICE SERVED: Justice gave the Jaguars the lead back with a 3-pointer with 4:36 to go and the visiting team would never trail again. IUPUI built an eight-point lead that shrunk to one on two occasions down the stretch, but the Flames were unable to climb all the way back as the Jaguars won, 66-64.
Highlights
Notable
- Godwin Boahen matched a career high with six 3-pointers for the second time this season. He also did so against Illinois State on Dec. 5.
- As a team, UIC made at least 10 3-pointers for the 10th time this season and the second time three Horizon League games. The Flames made 12 on Friday, marking the fifth time that they hit that mark.
- Boahen led UIC in scoring (18) for the second time this season.
- The Flames blocked a season-high 10 shots. Rob Howard had a career-high four rejections, while Jordan Blount and Tarkus Ferguson added two apiece. Ferguson leads the team with 15 blocks this season, while Blount was credited with his first two.
- The Flames are no stranger to close games. It was the fifth decision of five points or less this season and UIC is 3-2 in those contests. The Flames are 1-1 against conference opponents in those tight affairs.
- UIC has been out-rebounded 136-99 in three Horizon League games with a combined margin of -32 in its two losses.
- The Flames lost for only the second time at Credit Union 1 Arena this season. UIC is 6-2 on their home floor.
Steve McClain Postgame:
Godwin Boahen Postgame:
UP NEXT
- The second game of UIC's three-game homestand is set for Thursday, Jan. 10, when Youngstown State visits Credit Union 1 Arena.
