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Flames aim to bounce back Saturday against Evansville

1/6/2023 4:25:00 PM

CHICAGO – The UIC women's basketball program (8-6, 0-3) is set to return to Credit Union 1 Arena Saturday afternoon as the team hosts Evansville (5-6, 1-2) in Missouri Valley Conference play.
The Flames are one of three remaining teams in the MVC still looking for their first conference win of the year. The Aces secured their first win when they defeated Valparaiso Thursday, 57-45.

This is the 15th time these programs have clashed on the hardwood and the first time in four years. The Aces lead the series, 9-5, but the Flames currently hold a two-game winning streak with wins back in 2017 (Dec. 16, 96-77) and 2018 (Dec. 5, 62-54).

After starting the season 8-1, the Flames have been on a five-game losing streak and are aiming to bounce back in the win column. Their last victory came back on Dec. 4 when they defeated Cincinnati on the road, 66-58.

Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. The game will be available to stream on ESPN+.

Overview of start in the MVC
  • The Flames opened in the MVC on the road, falling short to Murray State, 68-55, on Dec. 30. Leading the Flames offensively was junior Jaida McCloud, who scored 11 points and grabbed four rebounds. Junior Kristian Young also scored 11 points and had a season high 5 steals against the Racers.
  • On New Year's Day, Belmont fended off the Flames early and kept their lead throughout the game, winning 72-59. The Flames were led offensively by McCloud who finished the game with 23 points and 9 rebounds.
  • 15 of the 23 points McCloud scored came from her work at the charity stripe, going 15-for-18, which was a career high. The Flames finished the game going 25-for-28 in the game, landing 89.3% of their free throws, a season high. 
  • In their home opener of conference play, the Flames lost to Indiana State, 59-48, Thursday night. The Flames were led offensively by junior Danyelle Middleton with 16 points, which was a season high for the forward. Sophomore Ky Dempsey-Toney also netted 14 in the game.
Bench remains strong
  • The Flames reserves remain consistent as they outscored their opponents yet again Thursday against the Sycamores, 30-15.
  • This is the 12th game this season the Flames bench outscored their counterparts. They were outscored by Milwaukee on Nov. 21 (10-9) and tied with SEMO on Dec. 20 (21-21).
  • The bench is led by Ky Dempsey-Toney and Danyel Middleton. Dempsey-Toney is tied as the second-best scorer on the team (10.4 PPG). Middleton is the fourth leading scorer, averaging 7.9 PPG.
 Notable Flames stats
  • The Flames remain strong with holding their opponents to low scoring with their defense. They, on average, keep their opponents to 58. 4 points per game. This is the second best in the Missouri Valley Conference.
  • Josie Filer remains one of the more disciplined shooters in the MVC with her shot selection. She is shooting exactly 50% from the field.
  • Dempsey-Toney is one of the stronger shot-blockers in the league. Averaging 1.38 a game, she has 18 blocks to her name this season so far- the fourth best in the MVC.
Notable Aces stats
  • The Aces capitalize on the mistakes of opposing defenders. Heading to the foul line, the Aces are lead the nation and are the best team in the MVC from the charity stripe. The team averages 26.27 attempts and 19 free throw baskets a game.
  • Senior Abby Feit is a player who not only finds her ways to score, but also does her work on the boards. She leads the Aces in scoring (14.0 PPG) and in rebounds (8.5 RPG).
  • Evansville is also quick to steal the ball. The Aces are ranked fourth in the conference, averaging 7.9 a game.
 
 
 
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