BOCA RATON, Fla. – A career-high 23 points from Jamie Ahale led the UIC men's basketball team to its best offensive performance of the season in an 89-83 victory over San Diego in the final game of the Boca Raton Beach Classic.
 
The Flames set season highs in points (89) and field goals (29), while their 50.9 field goal percentage is tied for the highest mark this season.
 
UIC used a pivotal 25-3 run over the course of 9:19 in the first half to turn a nine-point deficit into a 13-point lead that they would not relinquish.
 
Ahale blew past his previous career-high of 12 with his game-high 23 points Monday. The junior picked up nearly half of his points at the free throw line, going a perfect 11-for-11 from the charity stripe. He was joined in double figures by Tarkus Ferguson's season-high 22 points and Braelen Bridges' career-best 14 points.
 
UIC returns to Chicago to play host to future Horizon League member Purdue Fort Wayne on Saturday, Dec. 7. Tipoff is set for 3:12 p.m. on ESPN3.
 
First Half Highlights

• Off and Running: The Flames, who once trailed by nine points early in Monday's game, used a 25-3 run over 9:19 of game action to build a 13-point lead at 28-15. UIC's big run was spurred by a 20-2 run within it which eclipsed 6:33
• Flames on Fire: UIC shot 53.3% from the field in the first half, their second-best shooting half of the season (62.1% - 2^nd half vs. Robert Morris). The 16 made field goals is tied for the second-most field goals made in a single half this season. UIC's 42 points were the third-most in a half this year.
• Lockdown Perimeter D: UIC held San Diego scoreless from beyond the arc in the opening half, as the Toreros went 0-for-7 from long distance. It was the second time this season the Flames held an opponent scoreless from beyond the three-point line in a half.

Second Half Highlights

• Maintain the Advantage: With UIC leading by 13 with 18 minutes left in the game, San Diego used a 4-0 run in one minute to cut the Flames lead to single digits for the first time in the second half. The Flames responded by scoring the next five points to rebuild a double-digit lead. UIC would lead by 10+ points until the closing minute.
• Free Throws Matter: Of UIC's 29 free throw attempts, 22 came in the second half as San Diego looked to extend the game. The Flames took advantage of the charity stripe, knocking down 18-of-22 attempts in the final 20 minutes. Ahale alone went a perfect 9-for-9 from the line to cap a perfect 11-for-11 day from the free throw line for junior.

Facts and Figures

• Ahale set a new career-high with 23 points. It easily surpassed his previous career-high (12) and season-high (10). He set new career bests in field goals (5) and free throws (11) as well.
• Ferguson extended his streak to games with 10+ points to all six games this year with a season-high 22 points.
• The Flames shot 53.3% from the field in the first half of Monday's game, the second-highest shooting half for UIC this season. UIC followed with a 50% performance in the final 20 minutes, marking the first time this year UIC shot 50% or better in both halfs.
• UIC took care of the ball, turning it over only 10 times. It is the second fewest turnovers for UIC this season.