SPRINGFIELD, MO. – The UIC men's basketball team was back in action Tuesday night, as they were on the road at a snowy Great Southern Bank arena to take on Missouri State. In an incredibly tight contest featuring 10 ties and 10 lead changes, the Bears came away with a 63-59 victory to sweep the regular season series.
 
COACH'S COMMENTS
"We played well enough to win the game tonight," commented head coach Luke Yaklich. "It came down to one or two plays that end up making the difference in the game. We're going to put this game behind us, and get ready for Bradley this weekend."
 
FIRST HALF

• Filip Skobalj led off the scoring for the Flames, answering an early Bears basket with a layup of his own.
• The Flames had established a three-point lead by the 15:51 mark, shooting 80% from the field making four of their first five attempts.
• Skobalj went on to make three of his first four attempts from the field, leading all scorers with eight in the first eight minutes of the game.
• The Bears would use a 7-0 run to regain the lead before the under-eight timeout at 25-21.
• The Flames ended a seven-minute scoreless streak at the 3:45 mark with a Jace Carter three point basket, his second of the game.
• After being down eight points with 4:14 remaining in the first half, the Flames would go on a 9-0 run to end the first half up 30-29.

 
SECOND HALF

• Missouri State would open up the second half on an 8-1 run, re-establishing a six point advantage before the under-16 minute media timeout.
• The Flames defense turned up the pressure to start the second half, forcing seven Bears turnovers in the first 7:40.
• Jace Carter netted eight points in the first 15 minutes of the second half, bringing the Flames back into the lead at the 5:25 mark at 49-47.
• The two teams would go back and forth down the stretch, but the Bears hit two crucial three-point baskets late to pull ahead and earn the victory.

 
UP NEXT
The Flames will return home to Credit Union 1 Arena this weekend, as Bradley comes to Chicago for the two teams' second matchup of the season. Tip-off Sunday as part of a men's and women's basketball double-header at CU1 Arena is set for 2:00 p.m. CT.