CHICAGO – The UIC men's basketball (8-12, 4-7 Horizon) team returned to its winning ways Thursday with an 80-75 victory over Robert Morris (5-17, 3-10 Horizon). The Flames had an impressive offensive output from Kevin Johnson, who led the team with 18 points to go along with seven rebounds and three assists. Jalen Warren provided a phenomenal spark for the Flames, tying his career-high in points with 15 on 60% shooting while matching the team-lead with four assists.
 
The pair were joined in double figures by Damaria Franklin who scored 16 for his 16^th double figure performance in 18 games this season. Zion Griffin chipped in 14 points in the contest, with 13 coming in the game's first half.
 
Griffin started the Flames off hot early, with two 3-pointers in the opening minutes. UIC's offense rolled at the start of the game behind the spectacular play of Griffin, Johnson, and Jamie Ahale. Ahale entered the game and gave the Flames an incredible spark off the bench, nailing a pair of long balls in a 30-second span.
 
Robert Morris fought back behind a barrage of 3-pointers in the final five minutes of play of the first half. The Colonials were finding a way to score on the inside as well, adding 18 points in the paint. The Flames headed into halftime with the 39-34 advantage.
 
The Colonials came out of the halftime break strong, scoring eight points on 3-for-5 shooting in the first four minutes of the second half against the Flames. UIC showed a strong effort on defense, with Jace Carter making the Colonials work for every step. UIC continued to fend off Robert Morris in the first ten minutes of the second half of play behind Johnson's quiet dominance on the court. Robert Morris fought back, regaining the lead in the second half, 53-51, heading into the under-12 timeout.
 
Momentum swung back in favor of the Flames behind a pivotal 9-0 run that put UIC back in front for good at 64-57. Filip Skobalj knocked down a 3-pointer and Damaria Franklin threw down a slam dunk that capped the run and forced Robert Morris to burn a timeout. The Colonials would get back within one at 71-70 with 3:20 to play, but four unanswered points from UIC closed out the victory.
 
The Flames will finish out their weekend series against the Penguins of Youngstown State on Saturday, Feb. 5, at 1 p.m.
 
News and Notes

• UIC matched Robert Morris on the boards, 35-35. All eight Flames who checked into the game had at least one rebound.
• Johnson matched his UIC-high with seven rebounds.
• UIC dished out 15 or more assists for the 10^th time this year with 17. Warren and Franklin led the way with four each.