CHICAGO -- Behind 19 second-half points from senior Godwin Boahen, the UIC men's basketball team held off a late surge from visiting Olivet Nazarene for a 75-72 victory in Flames' season opener Tuesday evening.
 
The Flames (1-0) led by as many as 18 in the second half before the Tigers (3-0 – played as an exhibition) came back to tie things up in the closing minutes. With 2.6 seconds remaining, Boahen was fouled and converted the old-fashioned 3-point play to put UIC up by three. ONU's last-second three from near midcourt hit the rim before falling to the ground as time expired.
 
Boahen was one of four Flames in doubles figures with his team-high 21 points. Jacob Wiley and Michael Diggins added 11 each while Jamie Ahale scored 10 for UIC.
 
UIC returns to action on Friday, Nov. 8, as the Flames travel to take on No. 14/15 Memphis. Tipoff inside the FedEx Forum is set for 6 p.m. and will be televised nationally on ESPNU.
 
First-Half Highlights

• On the Run: With UIC leading 33-27 following a pair of Tiger free throws, the Flames ended the half on a 7-0 run to take a 13-point lead into the halftime break. Jacob Wiley went a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line while Brian Taylor connected on a 3-pointer.
• Lockdown Defense: UIC limited Olivet Nazarene to just 22.6 percent shooting in the first half, making 7-of-31 attempts.
• Paint it Red: UIC asserted a dominating post presence in the opening 20 minutes, outscoring the Tigers in the paint 20-4.
• To the Line: UIC was sent to the free throw line 14 times in the first half and converted 12 times.

 
Second-Half Highlights

• Boahen's Buckets: After being limited to just two points on 1-of-6 shooting in the first half, Godwin Boahen exploded for 19 points in the final 20 minutes. The senior guard went 6-of-11 from in the final 20 minutes and a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line.
• Share the Love: Seven of the eight Flames to play Tuesday saw between 20 and 32 minutes of action. The only player limited by playing time against Olivet Nazarene was Braelen Bridges due to foul trouble.

 
Notables

• Three players made their UIC debut Tuesday evening. Freshman Brian Taylor scored seven points in 29 minutes in his collegiate debut, redshirt freshman Deon Ejim started and finished with eight points and five rebounds after sitting out all last year to injury  and redshirt sophomore Braelen Bridges started and finished with four points in his first appearance with UIC.
• Diggins dished out a career-high five assists and Ahale brought in a career-best five rebounds. Wiley led all Flames with seven rebounds as UIC held a slim 38-35 advantage in rebounding margin.
• UIC dominated the paint, outscoring the Tigers 34-18 in the post.