BRONX, N.Y. – Despite a career-high 21 points from Toby Okani, the UIC men's basketball team let a halftime lead slip away in a 79-65 setback to Fordham on the opening day of the Tom Konchalski Classic, hosted by Fordham.
 
Okani scored 12 of his 21 points in the first half to surpass his season-high of 11, set in UIC's opener against Trinity Christian. The junior then scored UIC's first seven points of the second half to eclipse his previous career high of 14, which he set while at Duquesne.
 
The remainder of the points were evenly distributed, as 10 of the 11 Flames scored at least two points in the contest. Jace Carter led the rebounding effort with eight, while Jalen Jackson had three assists. Christian Jones nearly notched his first collegiate game in double figures, finishing with nine points while Cameron Fens and Tre Anderson added eight points each.
 
It was a tale of two halves, as the Flames' first half was their most complete half so far this season. UIC shot nearly 50% from the field in the opening 20 minutes and played with tempo, allowing the visitors to take a 40-33 lead into the halftime break.
 
The script flipped in the second half, as Fordham shot 60% from the field in the second half, including 55.6% from 3-point range, to blitz UIC and outscore the Flames by 21 points in the second frame.
 
UIC remains in the Bronx for the final two games of the Tom Konchalski Classic. Next up on the schedule is a Monday, Nov. 21 date with Stonehill. Tipoff inside Rose Hill Gymnasium is set for 3 p.m. (CT).