CHICAGO – The UIC men's basketball team returned to action Sunday, as it hosted Valparaiso to close out the season series between the two teams. In a gutsy short-handed effort with only seven active players, the Flames battled back to earn their seventh home win of the season.
 
FIRST HALF

• Valparaiso opened the game on a 9-0 run, but the Flames would answer the Beacons run with an 11-2 streak of their own to tie the game at 11.
• The Flames exceled shooting the three-ball in the first 20 minutes, making nine of their 18 attempts in the first half.
• UIC's defense also helped it gain a first half lead, forcing seven Beacons turnovers, netting the Flames 17 points off of those turnovers.
• UIC lead for nearly 12 minutes of the first half, taking a 41-36 advantage to the locker room.

 
SECOND HALF

• The Beacons came out with a purpose in the second half, outscoring the Flames 21-14 in the first 10 minutes of the second half to earn a two-point advantage at the 10-minute mark.
• UIC struggled to find a rhythm offensively in the first 10 minutes, making just three of its first 13 shot attempts.
• In each of their first games back from injury, Jace Carter and Tre Anderson were both in double figures scoring before the 10-minute mark.
• Jalen Jackson continued his recent offensive success Sunday, scoring in double figures for the third straight game, finishing with 19 points.
• A back-and-forth contest with 13 lead changes, Sunday's game would come down to the last possession, with the Flames keeping Valparaiso off the board to earn a 74-73 win.

 
The Flames will be back in action on Wednesday, as they play their final regular season road game of the year against Evansville. Tip-off from southern Indiana is set for 7:00 p.m. CT.