CHICAGO -- UIC (3-0) registered its third consecutive win on the young season by knocking off Valparaiso (0-2), 66-50. The triumph helped the Flames improve to 3-0 on a season for the first time since the 2001-02 campaign. That squad would go on to play in the NCAA Tournament.

Four Flames netted double figures Tuesday night, but newcomer Teyvion Kirk flashed in every area of the game. The Joliet, Ill., native scored a game-high 14 points to go along with 14 assists, eight rebounds and a steal in 34 minutes. Kirk's 14 helpers are the most since Martell Bailey collected 15 on Nov. 23, 2003.
 
Braelen Bridges added 12 points in his first start of the year while Brian Taylor matched a career high with 11. RayQuawndis Mitchell, the reigning Horizon League Player of the Week chipped in 10 points as well.
 
The Flames held the Crusaders to just 30% shooting from the field and a 1-for-14 effort from the 3-point line. The 7.1 3-point field goal percentage is the lowest opposing 3-point field goal percentage since the Flames held Detroit Mercy to 1-for-16 (6.3%) shooting from distance on Jan. 12, 2012.
 
UIC looks for its first 4-0 start since the 1990-91 squad, led by Bob Hallberg, began the year 7-0 on Saturday as the Flames travel to take on Ball State. Tipoff is schedule for 1 p.m. (CT) and will be broadcast on ESPN3.
 
How It Happened – First Half

• The Flames jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead thanks to a Bridges free throw, Michael Diggins layup and a Jamie Ahale 3-pointer.
• After the Crusaders took their first lead of the game at the 11:37 mark of the first half and built their lead up to five, the Flames closed the half on an 18-4 run over the final 8:58 of the opening frame.
• Brian Taylor connected on a pair of triples during the run while Kirk led the way with seven of UIC's 18 points, highlighted by a 3-pointer in the final half to build a nine-point lead at the break.
• UIC limited Valpo to just 9-for-30 shooting in the opening half, including 0-for-8 from distance.

• Valpo jumped out of the gate to start the second half, trimming the UIC lead down to three at 33-30 with 15:06 remaining. A Mitchell 3-pointer ended the run on the ensuing possession and UIC led by at least six points for the remainder of the game.
• The Flames pulled away for good with a 9-0 run to take a commanding 54-39 lead with 6:39 left in the game. Diggins scored four points during the spurt while Taylor added his third three of the game.
• UIC benefited from the charity stripe, going 10-for-12 from the free throw line in the second half while Valpo shot just 8-for-14 in the final 20 minutes from the line.

• UIC is 3-0 for the first time since the 2001-02 team that would go on to the NCAA Tournament.
• Kirk's 14 points and 14 assists gave UIC its second double-double in as many games after Bridges finished UIC's victory over Central Michigan with 17 points and 13 rebounds.
• Kirk's 14 assists are tied for the 6^th most in UIC single-game history and are the most since Martell Bailey had 15 helpers on Nov. 23, 2003.
• Taylor matched his career high with 11 points, as the sophomore also scored 11 against No. 14/15 Memphis a season ago.
• The 1-for-14 shooting effort from the 3-point line by Valparaiso is the lowest opposing team 3-point field goal percentage (7.1%) since Jan. 12, 2012 (Detroit Mercy).
• For the third consecutive game, every UIC player who entered the game scored.

Up Next

• UIC looks for its first 4-0 start since the 1990-91 squad, led by Bob Hallberg, began the year 7-0.
• The Flames hit the road to take on Ball State. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. (CT) on ESPN3.