UIC dropped its first game of the season, falling to Fairleigh Dickinson in the opener of the Hostilo Hoops Community Classic, 63-51.  Ky Dempsey-Toney had her first career double-double, with 12 points and 10 rebounds.  The Knights shot a sterling 83% from the free throw line, outscoring the Flames by 13 points at the stripe, and got a game high 26 points from Chloe Wilson (6-10 FG, 14-16 FT).

The Flames went up by four points in the first quarter, thanks largely to the energy Ky Dempsey-Toney brought off the bench.  In just four minutes, she altered a shot, scored four points of her own, grabbed three rebounds and had an assist, and the Flames had an 8-4 lead.  Dempsey-Toney had two offensive rebounds off of missed free throws in the second half, en route to a game and career high 10 boards to go with her season high 12 points.


The Flames made five straight shots as they attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter.   Kristian Young had two of her game-high five assists in that stretch.  But the Knights continued to make their free throws, and their lead did not dip below six the last four minutes.

UIC's defense had strong stretches.  They held FDU without a point for over five minutes in the first quarter, missing five straight shots.  On four straight possessions in the second quarter, the Flames forced turnovers of all varieties – three seconds, steals, and drawing a charge.  UIC held the Knights to just 1-of-14 from beyond the three point arc.

Josie Filer had two late-period baskets.  She beat the first quarter buzzer with a three-pointer, and swished a long two with under 10 seconds in the second to pull the Flames to within three at halftime.  She had 12 points, joining Dempsey-Toney and Danyel Middleton (14) in double figures.

The Flames will continue their stay in Savannah with a Tuesday afternoon game against Davidson.