CHICAGO -- On a frigid February night in the Windy City, UIC struggled to establish an offensive rhythm in the early going against the visiting Wright State Raiders, falling in the first game of a two-game weekend series, 72-47.

UIC (8-8, 5-6 Horizon League) shot only 36.7% from the field Friday night, while connecting on two 3-pointers, both season lows. The Flames had buried at least four triples in each of the first 15 games of the head coach Luke Yaklich's tenure, making 10 or more seven times. It was the first game this season that UIC was held below 50 points.

Maurice Commander led the way offensively with 10 points for the Flames. Braelen Bridges added nine off the bench and a team-best seven rebounds.

Wright State (14-4, 12-3 Horizon League) was led by reigning Horizon League Player of the Year Loudon Love and his 23 points and 12 rebounds. It was his eighth double-double of the season. He also had two blocks and two steals.

The same two teams will reconvene at Credit Union 1 Arena Saturday evening at 7 p.m. The contest will be shown on ESPN+.

How It Happened – First Half

• Jamie Ahale knocked down the first of two first-half 3-pointers to put the Flames ahead 5-4 with 16:10 remaining in the game. It would be the only two triples made by UIC all evening.
• After the Raiders jumped ahead 15-8, the Flames responded with seven unanswered points to even the score at 15-all midway through the first half. Commander converted off a Wright State turnover before Bridges added a pair in the paint before Ahale capped the scoring run with his second deep ball.
• Wright State built its lead up to 10 points with 3:26 to play before both teams went scoreless down the stretch to give the visitors a 33-23 halftime lead.

 
How It Happened – Second Half

• The Raiders stormed out of the gate to open the second half, scoring the first 11 points before Michael Diggins' basket with 14:02 remaining ended the Wright State run. WSU maintained at least a 17-point the rest of the way.
• Commander led the way with six second-half points while Bridges and Diggins added four each.

 
News and Notes

• Demetrius Calip II made his UIC debut late in the second half of Friday's game.
• Commander scored in double figures for the fifth time in the last seven games since returning to the UIC lineup Jan. 15 against Robert Morris.
• Bridges' seven rebounds are the third-most for the Atlanta native this season.