CHICAGO - The UIC Flames (2-14, 1-10 Horizon) fell in a hard-fought game to the Cleveland State Vikings (13-3, 8-2 Horizon), 54-45. The Flames were led in scoring by Jaida McCloud, who finished the game with 12 points and 13 rebounds, her third double-double on the season. Leah Yarbrough stood out in this game, coming off the bench and grabbing career-highs in points (8) and blocks (3). Kristian Young also helped lead the extraordinary effort on defense, tying a career-high six steals. 

Flames came out of the game hot, fighting for every possession early on. UIC played aggressively on the boards and put up great effort against the Vikings throughout. The Flames played as a unit, with an even distribution of scoring in the first half of play. McCloud led the team going into halftime with seven points. UIC showed great effort in the first half of play and looked to carry that momentum into the second half.

At the start of the second half, the Flames struggled offensively, allowing the Vikings to go on a run to grow their lead. UIC turned it around in the second half of the third quarter through their tough defense and tenacity fighting for the ball. McCloud could not be stopped on the rebounding front, while Young and Keona Schenck continued to play tough-nosed defense against the Vikings. The Flames continued to battle through the end of the game, keeping it close through the majority, but ultimately fell, 54-45. 

The Flames will be back at Credit Union 1 Arena on Saturday, Jan. 29, to host Purdue Fort Wayne at 1:00 P.M.

QUICK FACTS

• Kristian Young tied a career-high in steals with six.
• Leah Yarbrough scored a career-high eight points.
• Jaida McCloud notched a career-high 13 rebounds.
• McCloud has now gone for three double-doubles this season.