CHICAGO (Feb. 3, 2024) – The UIC women's basketball team (12-8, 5-4 MVC) will stay in the Windy City this weekend, playing host to a Sunday matinee against Missouri Valley Conference opponent Valparaiso at 1 p.m. (CT) inside Credit Union 1 Arena.
Sunday's game will be a celebration for National Girls and Women in Sports Day and UIC women's basketball Alumni Day as the program welcomes back some very special Flames' alumnae. This will also be a Sparky's Kids Club Game, as members receive a code for a FREE ticket to the game, and the last of three women's basketball games that will feature the Courtside Club open to fans.
GAME INFORMATION
Valparaiso (3-15, 2-7 MVC) at UIC (12-8, 5-4 MVC)
Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024 | 1 p.m. CT
Credit Union 1 Arena | Chicago, Ill.
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LAST TIME OUT
UIC struggled to find the bottom of the net Wednesday night, as the Flames fell to Northern Iowa (7-11, 6-3 MVC), 65-43 at Credit Union 1 Arena. Junior forward
Makiyah Williams (Chicago, Ill./Trinity/Marquette) led the Flames with 19 points, the eighth time in 10 games she has scored in double figures for UIC. Junior guard
Krystyna Ellew (Chicago, Ill./Taft/Wisconsin) chipped in with nine points and seven rebounds in a season-high 28 minutes off the bench.
SCOUTING VALPARAISO
Valparaiso has three wins to its credit this season, two of which have come in conference play. The Beacons' first taste of victory came in December against Chicago State. Their next win (and first in MVC action) was on Jan. 21, when they beat Bradley at home, 79-55. A week later, Valparaiso added another win over Evansville, 70-59.
Senior Leah Earnest stands out as the top scorer and rebounder for Valpo, averaging 14.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. The guard/forward is ranked among the top 15 in the MVC in several statistical categories, including scoring (seventh), rebounding (11
th) and field goal percentage (12
th - .493). She's also the only player on the Beacons' roster who has played and started in all 18 of their games this season.
SERIES HISTORY
UIC and Valpo have a rich history, dating back to the 1972-73 season. The current series record between the two schools sits at 29-25 in favor of the Flames. In their most recent encounter, UIC beat Valpo, 72-47 on March 9, 2023, in the opening round of the MVC Tournament (Hoops in the Heartland) in Moline, Ill.
TICKETS AND MORE
Tickets for all UIC home basketball games can be purchased online through Ticketmaster and
UICFlames.com/Tickets, as well as through the UIC Athletics Ticket Office (312-413-UIC1) or by visiting the Credit Union 1 Arena box office on game day.
Sunday's game against Valparaiso will be the final chance this season for UIC women's basketball fans to enjoy the Courtside Club. Pass holders receive a number of perks including early arena access, unlimited refreshments (including complimentary beer and wine) and a private lounge space with flat-screen televisions and theater-style furniture.
For more information or to purchase Courtside Club passes, contact the UIC Athletics Ticket office (312-413-8421;
athleticsticketing@uic.edu) or send a request through the Courtside Club page at
UICFlames.com. Passes may also be purchased on game days through the Credit Union 1 Arena box office or the Courtside Club entrance located on the event level.
For more information on UIC women's basketball, fans are encouraged to visit
UICFlames.com, or follow the Flames on social media through X (@UIC_WBB and @UICFlames) and Instagram (@uic_wbb and @uicflames).
