UIC showed poise down the stretch, erasing a six-point fourth quarter deficit and holding off Valparaiso, 68-64 Tuesday night.  The Flames shot over 56% from three-point distance throughout the contest, and saw four players score in double figures.

After mounting late comebacks, but coming up just short in their previous two games, UIC finished the job with their third straight fourth-quarter rally.  Kristian Young made a driving scoop shot to tie the game, and Justice Gee gave the Flames a short-lived lead.  With under three minutes to play, Bailey Lutes made a three-pointer to put her team ahead for good.  Young posted the team's first double-double of the season, with 14 points and a career high 11 assists.

The Flames will continue non-conference play after a Thanksgiving break, when Omaha comes to Credit Union 1 Arena next Monday.

First Quarter Notes

• Tiana Jackson made an impact off the bench, driving the baseline for a layup and later sinking a three from the corner to help the Flames build a five point lead.
• Jackson assisted on a Keona Schenck triple – one of two she made in the first quarter as she got off to another fast start.
• The Flames outrebounded the Beacons in the first 10 minutes, 13-1.

Second Quarter Notes

• Long balls were the story of the second quarter.  UIC made only four field goals in the period, but three of them were from behind the arc.
• Jaida McCloud beat the first half buzzer with a triple that gave the Flames a seven point lead at the break.
• UIC registered an assist on 11 of its 12 first half made shots.

Third Quarter Notes

• McCloud showed off some impressive moves, on her way to a team-high 16 points.  Her drop step in the paint earned her an and-one, as the Flames stayed up by eight.
• Valparaiso found their footing for the first extended period of the game.  Confidently making threes and getting to the free throw line, they overtook the Flames and led by one at the end of the third.

Fourth Quarter Notes

• Despite another McCloud layup, following a textbook sealing off of her defender, the Beacons continued to lead.
• A pair of free throws by Jackson sparked UIC's comeback.  Justice Gee put the Flames on top with a well-timed layup, just before Lutes made her second three of the game to give UIC a lead they would never relinquish.
• Hustle plays helped the Flames stay on top.  Kristian Young tied up a Beacon to force a held ball, and after Valpo forced a turnover of their own, several Flames got back quickly to not only thwart their break, but got possession right back.

Facts and Figures

• McCloud was followed closely by Young (14 points), Schenck (12), and Jackson (10) on the scoresheet.
• Lutes made the first two three-pointers of her career.
• Young made her first start of the season.  She played the full 40 minutes.
• UIC's 56.3% showing from distance was their best effort since they made 52.9% of their three-pointers against Loyola in November 2018.
• McCloud's nine rebounds were a game high.  Seven Flames had multiple boards.
• The Flames won the rebounding battle for the first time this year.
• Young set career highs in free throws attempted (16) and made (8).

Up Next

• UIC will host Omaha on Monday.
• The game will start at 6:30 p.m.