LAS VEGAS – Despite a season-high 14 3-pointers, the UIC men's basketball team dropped an 88-80 decision to Hawaii in the opening round of the Las Vegas Classic Thursday (Nov. 25) afternoon inside Orleans Arena.
 
Four Flames scored in double figures, led by Damaria Franklin's team-high 22 points and Kevin Johnson's 20. Jalen Warren chipped in 14 off the bench and Zion Griffin added 10, nine of which came in the second half. Johnson dished out a game-high seven assists, with Jamie Ahale adding six.
 
UIC made more field goals and more three-pointers than Hawii in addition to shooting at a higher percentage than the Rainbow Warriors in both categories. Hawaii was able to pull away with the win due to 23 made free throws (on 33 attempts).
 
Hawaii raced out to a 9-1 lead to open the game and force a UIC timeout. The gap continued to widen throughout the first half, with the Rainbow Warriors building a 17-point lead with 2:13 to play in the half. The Flames battled back in the closing minutes, finishing the half on a 9-1 run to pull within nine at the break. Johnson and Michael Diggins scored on back-to-back layups to open the run before Hawaii connected on a free throw. Franklin took over in the final minute, converting on a layup before beating the halftime buzzer with a triple.
 
UIC hovered between eight and 13 points throughout the second half before a 9-3 scoring spree for the Flames pulled the team within six with 8:43 remaining. The Flames got the score within six once more down the stretch but was unable to close the gap any further, with 13 of Hawaii's final 17 points coming from the free throw line.
 
The Flames wrap up play at the Las Vegas Classic on Friday against San Diego. Tip-off is slated for 12:30 p.m. (PT).

News and Notes

• UIC recorded its highest field goal (52.5) and 3-point field goal (42.9) percentages of the season Thursday.
• Damaria Franklin recorded his second-consecutive 20-point game and team-leading third 20-point performance of the season with his team-high 22 against Hawaii.
• Kevin Johnson had his highest-scoring game of the season against the Rainbow Warriors with 20 points.
• The Flames held a 22-10 advantage in bench scoring and an 11-0 margin in fast break points.
• UIC's 46 second-half points are the second most points scored in a half by the Flames this year.