CHICAGO - UIC women's basketball (2-16, 1-11 Horizon) fell against the Northern Kentucky Norse (15-4, 9-3 Horizon), 71-41. The Flames let up 33 points in the first half of play to the Norse and were unable to regain control of the game. The Flames will look to get back on track for their Friday match-up against Detroit Mercy.

The Flames started strong with a three-ball from Lindsey Rogers to put UIC on the board in the first quarter of play, but the Norse of Northern Kentucky's rebounding gave NKU a heavy lead at the end of the first.

The Flames were able to get their offense running more efficiently in the second quarter, scoring 12 points, but their defense struggled against the fast-paced movement from the Norse. The Flames saw another spark offensively from Justice Gee, who entered the game and scored four points in ten minutes of play. Kristian Young also began to find open teammates for quality finishes inside. 

Coming out of the halftime break, the Flames put up their largest scoring quarter, with 14 points, coming from the hands of Jaida McCloud, who scored nine points. McCloud found her way deep in the post and scored multiple times down low. Young continued to find a lane inside to find an open player. The Norse kept the lead distant, however, scoring 22 points in the third. 

The Flames ultimately fell to the Norse, 71-41, after shooting 47% from the field. The Flames bench numbers looked promising, with Leah Yarbrough scoring six points and recording two blocks; Gee put up seven points, grabbed a team-high six rebounds, and recorded three steals on the game.

The Flames will be back in action on Friday, February 4., against the winless Detroit Mercy Titans. Tip off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

QUICK FACTS

• Jaida McCloud scored a team-high 14 points on the day.
• Justice Gee led the team in rebounding with six boards.
• Kristian Young led the team with six assists.
• Leah Yarbrough gave the Flames a solid spark on the court, scoring six points and grabbed two boards.