FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Michael Diggins scored a season-high 23 points in UIC's 88-55 road loss against Purdue Fort Wayne Saturday (Jan. 9) evening.

Diggins finished the game two-points shy of matching his career high of 25, which was set last year when the Flames faced the 'Dons in a nonconference contest. The Las Vegas, Nevada native finished Saturday's game 10-for-15 from the field and 3-for-4 from 3-point range.

The shorthanded Flames, who were without the services of four scholarship players, struggled to get going offensively and fell behind by an 16-4 margin. Back-to-back buckets by Deon Ejim and Diggins pulled UIC within eight but the 'Dons pushed the lead to double-digits and held at least a 10-point lead for the remainder of the game.

UIC returns to action Jan. 15-16 at home, taking on another Horizon League newcomer in Robert Morris.

How It Happened – First Half

• It was a slow start for both teams as Teyvion Kirk's jumper in the paint with 14:31 left pulled the Flames within two at 4-2.
• The 'Dons began to pull away, building a 16-4 advantage. Back-to-back baskets by Ejim and Diggins brought UIC within eight at 16-8, the closest the Flames would get the rest of the game.
• Diggins paced UIC's offense scoring 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting in the first half despite missing almost seven minutes due to foul trouble.

How It Happened – Second Half

• The Mastodons used a run to start the second half to put any comeback attempt out of reach.
• Diggins continued his strong performance, scoring 12 points in the final half on 5-of-8 shooting from the field and a perfect 2-for-2 from deep.
• Brad Bowditch and Treavon Martin made their UIC debuts in the closing minutes.