Springfield, Mo. - The UIC women's basketball team (13-10, 5-7 MVC) couldn't fend off a second half surge from Missouri State (14-7, 9-3 MVC), falling to the Bears Saturday afternoon 68-57.
The Flames were led offensively by Jaida McCloud, who finished with a team-high 17 points and eight rebounds. Josie Filer netted nine points and Danyel Middleton scored seven in the loss.
COACH'S COMMENT
"I'm pleased with about three-quarters of the game, I thought we had a really strong first half," said Flames head coach Ashleen Bracey. "I thought offensively we were flowing better than we ever had on the road. Second half we came out and they responded a couple of times and we responded to them. For the last five minutes it was tough for us to score and that's what it came down to. Overall, I'm pleased with out effort."
FIRST HALF
· Jaida McCloud was red-hot offensively for the Flames. She scored 16 of her 17 points and shot 88% from the field before halftime.
· Danyel Middleton shot 100 % from the field over the first two quarters, scoring seven points and making the Flames only three-pointer of the half.
· UIC (60%) had a better shooting percentage in the half than Missouri State (37%).
· The two programs were time five different times during the opening half. UIC went into the halftime intermission with a 36-31 lead.
SECOND HALF
· Missouri State started the second half on an 8-1 run, taking their first lead early in the third quarter.
· The Bears outscored the Flames in the third quarter 19-10, and led 50-46 heading into the final quarter.
· The Flames struggled offensively over the game's final 20 minutes finishing the afternoon shooting 23% in the field. The Flames were outscored 37-21 over the final two quarters.
CONFERENCE STANDINGS
· UIC is currently sixth in the Missouri Valley Conference standings.
· Three of the Flames' last five games have been against the programs currently ranked first through third in the MVC.
UP NEXT
The Flames return home Friday to Credit Union 1 Arena when they host Northern Iowa (14-6, 9-2 MVC). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. central. Fans can watch the game on ESPN3.
