Flames Tipoff Show - Presented by Impact Networking

CHICAGO -- UIC renews its long-time rivalry with city foe Loyola on Sunday, Dec. 13 inside Credit Union 1 Arena. Tipoff on ESPN+ is scheduled for 1 p.m.

UIC lost its first game of the season last time out, dropping a 68-66 decision on the road at Ball State. Trailing by 16 in the second half, the Flames came back to take a late lead before the Cardinals closed the game out from the free throw line. The Flames have limited opponents to just 13.3% shooting from 3-point range this season, first in the Horizon League and third nationally. UIC limited Valpo to 7.1% shooting from deep, the third -lowest opposing 3-point field goal percentage by a UIC opponent dating back to 2010.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK
• RayQuawndis Mitchell picked up the first weekly honor for the Flames this season as he was named the Horizon League Player of the Week on Nov. 30.
• For the week, Mitchell averaged 17.5 points per game while shooting 43.5% from the field and 53.3% from 3-point range.
• Mitchell began the week with a game-winning 3-pointer against Northern Illinois (Nov. 25), finishing with 12 points, before scoring a game-high 23 points in a win over Central Michigan (Nov. 28).
• He is the first Flame to earn Player of the Week honors since Tarkus Ferguson did so on Feb. 4, 2019.

DISH IT OUT
• Teyvion Kirk had a stellar performance against Valparaiso on Dec. 1, finishing the game with 14 points and 14 assists.
• The 14 helpers are the most for UIC this season and most since Martell Bailey had 15 on Nov. 23, 2003.
• On the year, Kirk averages a team-leading 8.8 assists per game, tops in the Horizon League and fifth nationally. His 29 total assists are the fifth-most in the NCAA.
• Kirk has more assists (35) than the rest of the team combined (25).
• As a team, the Flames are dishing out 15 assists per game to lead the Horizon League while their 60 assists also pace all conference schools.

DOUBLE TROUBLE
• Braelen Bridges recorded the first double-double of the season for the Flames against Central Michigan (Nov. 28) with 17 points and 13 rebounds in a win over the Chippewas.
• It was Bridges' fourth double-double of his career after tallying three a season ago.
• The 13 rebounds fell one shy of matching Bridges' career-high of 14, set last year at DePaul.
• Teyvion Kirk followed with a 14-point, 14-assist, eight-rebound double-double against Valparaiso (Dec. 1) after nearly registering a double-double in the season debut against Northern Illinois, finishing with 12 points and a team-high nine assists.