Josie Filer had the go-ahead basket and a critical last-second steal, as UIC topped IUPUI 52-50 to earn a season-opening win Monday night.  The Jaguars erased a six-point deficit midway through the fourth quarter, but Filer's layup put the Flames ahead to stay. 

Jaida McCloud had a late layup of her own, and she and Filer each made a free throw to keep IUPUI at bay.  The Jaguars called timeout to set up their last play in the final eight seconds, but Filer disrupted those plans with a steal.

The Flames jumped out to an 18-7 lead after the first quarter, making a blistering 60% of their field goals and outrebounding the hosts 11-2 in the first 10 minutes.  Filer scored seven of her game high 20 points in the first, but the big lead was the result of a full team effort.  Five players scored, five got at least one rebound, and four notched an assist.

UIC did not let up in the second quarter, combining to shoot 65% in the first half.  Twenty of the team's 28 first half points came in the paint, where the Flames exploited their advantage on both ends of the court.  The team only missed six shots the entire half, and grabbed the offensive rebound on half of them.

McCloud had a game high 11 rebounds, five of which were on the offensive glass.  The Flames ended with a 42-27 advantage in rebounds.  Kristian Young added eight to go along with six assists.
Keona Schenck nailed a 3-pointer early in the second half.  Ky Dempsey-Toney closed out the third quarter with a layup to keep the Flames ahead by five heading into the fourth.

Ashleen Bracey won her first game as a head coach by leading the Flames to their first win over IUPUI in 12 all-time matchups.  It was UIC's sixth opening day win in the last nine seasons.  Danyel Middleton and Sara Zabrecky each made the first start of their career.  Zabrecky was on the court for a game high 38 minutes and scored seven points with three assists.

The Flames will return to action in a week's time, making the short trip across town to take on Chicago State next Monday.