MOON TOWNSHIP, PA. – The UIC Flames (2-11, 1-7 Horizon) fell in a close one to the Robert Morris Colonials (7-8, 5-5 Horizon), 50-44. The Flames and Colonials went back and forth in the first half of play, but Robert Morris secured the win in the third quarter, as they outscored the Flames 15-7. Jaida McCloud finished with 14 points, ten rebounds, five assists, five blocks, and two steals. Bailey Lutes had a solid game also, scoring six points shooting 2-4 from the 3-point-line, grabbing four rebounds and two steals. Lutes was a menace on defense as well, keeping vocal and staying in front of the ball on several different occasions.

The Flames stepped onto the court on Sunday afternoon with energy and confidence. The UIC offense started rolling early, with Kristian Young finding Ky Dempsey-Toney down for a post-move score to give UIC the lead. The starters' energy was impacted by the cheers and excitement coming off the bench, as the coaching staff and reserve players were extremely vocal. The Flames energy as a team looked to be one of the key factors in the success of the first half.

Both teams battled back and forth in the second quarter, with Robert Morris scoring 12 in comparison to UIC's 11. The Flames and Colonials were nearly identical the entire way through the first half, as the Flames held on with a 24-23 lead heading into halftime.

Coming out of the half, the Colonials were able to pull away from the Flames. Robert Morris continued to bring the energy, while the Flames struggled to get into a rhythm. UIC was held to 30% shooting in the quarter while RMU shot 35% and forced the Flames into nine turnovers.

With both teams having a shot at winning the game, the Flames looked destined to win, as they held Robert Morris to only two field goals made on the quarter. UIC, however, struggled as well, as it became a defensive battle in the final quarter of play. The Flames found themselves in favorable positions more than once but were unable to get the ball through the net in the final moments of play.

The Flames will be back in action at IUPUI on Friday, Jan. 21 at 6 p.m.

QUICK FACTS

• Jaida McCloud recorded her second double-double this season, the third of her career.
• McCloud's five-block game is a career-high. The last time a UIC player recorded five blocks was Jada Nneji against Oakland on Feb. 6, 2020.
• The Flames forced Robert Morris into 21 turnovers on the day.