OAKLAND, MICH. - The UIC women's basketball team dropped its Horizon League opener at Oakland Thursday night, 67-59. The Flames second-half flare was not enough to put away the Golden Grizzlies.
Jaida McCloud recorded a game-high 22 points, with eight coming in the final quarter of play. McCloud added eight rebounds, two steals, a block and an assist in her efforts.
Justice Gee tied career-highs in points with 12 and rebounds with eight.
Kristian Young rounded out the double-digit scoring trio with 10 points of her own to go along with four boards, two assists and a steal.
The Flames started strong, winning the tip and Gee scoring a quick layup to start UIC off hot. Oakland kept up, however, taking the lead after two-quick 3's gave the Golden Grizzlies the lead heading into the second quarter. UIC continued to battle back in the second, but eight costly turnovers grew Oakland's lead to 40-23 going into halftime.Â
UIC battled back in the third quarter behind momentum-swinging 3-pointers from
Keona Schenck and
Bailey Lutes. McCloud and Young added four points a piece to bring the Flames within 12 points. UIC trailed going into the final quarter, 54-42.
The Flames continued to fight tooth and nail to cut the Golden Grizzlies lead down to 8 points. Despite outscoring Oakland 36-27 in the second half, the Flames fell short in the first game of the road trip.Â
UIC will face the 0-6 Detroit Mercy at Calihan Hall on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 1 p.m. CST.
Key Stats
- UIC outscored Oakland 32-26 in the paint.
- Oakland out-rebounded UIC 43-29, scoring 17 second chance points.
- Gee tied career-highs with 12 points and eight rebounds.
- McCloud notched a career-high in free-throws made and attempted, going 11-16.
