YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Four players scored in double figures, led by Maurice Commander's season-high 18 points as the UIC men's basketball team dropped an 85-77 decision at Youngstown State Saturday (Jan. 23) evening.
 
The Flames, who won the series opener thanks to a buzzer beating tip-in by Michael Diggins a night ago, looked for their second consecutive thrilling victory. Trailing by as many as 18 points in the second half, UIC trimmed the deficit to single digits in the closing minutes. Commander personally pulled the Flames within four in a span of nine seconds after the junior hit a 3-pointer, stole the ensuing inbounds pass and connected from deep again to make it a 79-75 score with 34 seconds remaining. The Penguins would convert from the free throw line down the stretch to earn the series split.
 
Commander was joined in double figures by Teyvion Kirk (16), Braelen Bridges (12) and Michael Diggins (10). Kirk also led the way with team highs in both rebounds (7) and assists (5).
 
The Flames will be back in action Friday and Saturday, Jan. 29-30, to face Northern Kentucky in a road series.
 
How It Happened – First Half

• Jamie Ahale connected from downtown on the opening possession of the game to put the visitors out to a quick 3-0 lead. It was the Flames' only lead of the game.
• Six unanswered points from the Penguins put Youngstown State ahead and after a brief tie at 6-all, the 'Guins took the lead for good following a Naz Bohannon free throw with 16 minutes left in the first half.
• Youngstown State built its biggest lead of the first half at 12 after five unanswered points made the score 42-30 with 1:42 remaining.
• UIC trailed by nine at the break despite outshooting Youngstown State (58.3% to 48.6%) from the field and from 3-point range (45.5% to 37.5%).

 
How It Happened – Second Half

• The Penguins pushed the advantage to double digits early in the second half, eventually building the lead to 18 with 12:28 to play.
• Eight-straight points began the Flames' comeback attempt. Ahale's 3-pointer capped the run, with Diggins scoring a pair and Rob Howard adding three points.
• With Youngstown State leading by 10, Commander drilled a three with 43 seconds left to cut the deficit to seven. Commander then stole the ensuing inbounds pass and immediately connected from deep to pull the Flames within four with 34 seconds left.
• The Penguins finished the game 6-for-6 from the free throw line to seal the victory

 
News and Notes

• Kirk has now scored in double figures in 11-of-13 games this year
• The 11 made 3-pointers are tied for the third-most in a game this year by UIC's offense.
• Howard set a season high with three blocks, one shy of matching his career high.