CHICAGO – The UIC men's basketball team returned to home action Sunday, as the Flames played host to Bradley for a 2:00 p.m. tip, their second and final matchup of the regular season. After a hot start to the game for UIC, the Braves came alive to close the first half, and pulled away just enough to avoid a Flames comeback, winning by a final score of 83-76.

FIRST HALF

• The Flames used balanced scoring to establish an early 7-6 advantage prior to the first media timeout of the game, led by an early three-point basket from Toby Okani.
• UIC's defense stood out early, forcing three Bradley turnovers in the first five minutes of the game, and only allowing the Braves to make two of their first eight attempts from the field.
• Bradley would establish the lead in the first half, making six of seven shots after opening two for eight.
• Three-point shooting would prove to be a struggle for the Flames early on, as the Braves built a lead partially on UIC's zero for nine start from behind the arc.
• Jace Carter led all first half scorers with 10 points, but the Flames would enter the locker room trailing 36-28.

SECOND HALF

• Jace Carter helped lead the Flames on offense to open the second half, tallying a quick six points to pull UIC back within three points and forcing a Braves timeout.
• The Flames came out shooting to start the second half, making six of their first nine shots in the second frame.
• Bradley would answer UIC 's early run with a run of it's own, scoring six straight points to bring it's advantage back to nine at 55-46.
• The Braves began to pull away in the middle of the second half, making 12 of their first 18 shots, including four of their first seven three-point baskets.
• Jace Carter eclipsed the 20-point mark for the sixth time this season, scoring 25 in the game.
• The Flames would mount a 6-0 run late in the final minute, but it would not be enough to close the gap.

UP NEXT
The Flames will return to the road this week, as they are set for a Wednesday night showdown against Illinois State. Tip-off from Normal, Ill. will be 7:00 p.m. CT, and the game can be seen live on ESPN+. The Flames Network will also carry an audio broadcast with the Voice of the Flames Jonathan Hood and Flames Hall of Famer Kenny Williams.