Returning from the road with two wins under their belt, the UIC Flames women's basketball team is set to take to the court at the Credit Union 1 Arena in their home opener against the Milwaukee Panthers Wednesday night.
           
The Flames are off to a 2-0 start for the first time dating back to the 2015-2016 season. Winning the first two games of the season when both were on the road hadn't been accomplished since 1979-1980. Now set to host the Panthers, the Flames look to beat their former conference foe for the first time in 15 games.
 
Through a collective offensive effort, the Flames defeated their crosstown rivals in Chicago State, 82-67 Monday night. Jaida McCloud led all scorers with 18 points with Josie Filer right behind her scoring 16 points. Danyel Middleton, Lindsey Rogers and Marta Gomez each contributed 11.
 
Last having faced back in March last season, the Panthers currently lead the Flames in their meet-ups, 42-21.
 
The teams are set to clash at 7:00 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN+.
 

McCloud's strong presence felt once again

• Jaida McCloud was on the cusp of a double-double Monday following her 11 rebounds against IUPUI with 9 against the Cougars.
• She was also all over the court with two steals, blocks and assists throughout the night.
• McCloud finished her night offensively going 6-for-8 and going 6-for-13 on her free throws.

Rotational Players shine in extended minutes

• Out of the five players that reached double digits, two of them came off the bench: Lindsey Rogers and Marta Gomez
• In 18 minutes of play, Gomez scored 11 points on 2 three-pointers and 5 free throws. She also posted a season high with 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
• Rodgers went 4-for-7 from the field, and landed 3 free throws during her 17 minutes of play. She also nabbed two rebounds and a steal.
• 11 players on the Flames managed to land a shot throughout the 40 minutes against the Cougars on Monday.

Valley Accolade

• Josie Filer had a game high 20 points, including the go-ahead basket late in the fourth quarter, in UIC's season opener at IUPUI.
• She was named Missouri Valley Newcomer of the Week on Monday, following that performance against the Jaguars.
• Filer also had a steal with three seconds to go, snuffing IUPUI's chance to tie the game.
• She followed up her debut with a 16 point, 4 rebound performance against Chicago State.