2008 Woodie Awards
Road woes suffocating Flames
After home romp of Valpo, Flames fall at 2-12 Detroit
Andrew Smothers
Issue date: 2/18/08 Section: Sports
If only the Flames could play all their games at home.
Following an outstanding second-half display last Monday in a 77-53 home victory against Valparaiso, coach Jimmy Collins' UIC men's basketball team lacked any spark in the Motor City on Thursday night. The Flames fell to last place Detroit-Mercy 68-60, due to inept defense and poor shooting.
The Flames allowed Detroit, who entered the game with just one Horizon League victory, to shoot an absurd 50 percent (25-50) from the field, including a 58 percent clip (11-19) outside the three-point line. UIC's struggles persisted on the other end of the floor throughout the night, as well, as the Flames shot just 24 percent (6-25) from beyond the arc, 38 percent (23-60) from the field.
Foul trouble and cold shooting limited UIC star Josh Mayo on Thursday, finishing with just 11 points after spending the latter part of the second half on the bench with four fouls. Mayo shot an uncharacteristic 2-12 from three-point land. He entered the game as the nation's most accurate shooter from that range.
Thursday's game was a troubling turnabout from Monday's home win, when UIC exploded during a 33-7 second half run and appeared to have the Midas touch on offense. The Flames made seven of 10 three-point shots after holding a 24-20 lead at the half, eventually leading by as many as 28. Mayo led the team with 18 points and sophomore point guard Spencer Stewart recorded a game-high six assists.
The victory over Valpo improved the Flames' home record to 12-1, compared to their 3-10 road record after falling to the Titans.
The loss at Detroit puts a serious damper on the Flames hopes of finishing in the top two spots in the Horizon League, which earns a team an automatic spot in the league championship tournament semifinals. Because of the loss, UIC entered last Saturday's game at second place Wright State with a two game deficit in the race for second place.
Instead of the game being a battle for that coveted spot, the Flames entered with just four games remaining to make up those two losses, including a home game against nationally ranked Butler on Wednesday.
After the showdown against Butler, UIC will head to Northern Iowa University on Saturday for a non-conference match-up.
Following an outstanding second-half display last Monday in a 77-53 home victory against Valparaiso, coach Jimmy Collins' UIC men's basketball team lacked any spark in the Motor City on Thursday night. The Flames fell to last place Detroit-Mercy 68-60, due to inept defense and poor shooting.
The Flames allowed Detroit, who entered the game with just one Horizon League victory, to shoot an absurd 50 percent (25-50) from the field, including a 58 percent clip (11-19) outside the three-point line. UIC's struggles persisted on the other end of the floor throughout the night, as well, as the Flames shot just 24 percent (6-25) from beyond the arc, 38 percent (23-60) from the field.
Foul trouble and cold shooting limited UIC star Josh Mayo on Thursday, finishing with just 11 points after spending the latter part of the second half on the bench with four fouls. Mayo shot an uncharacteristic 2-12 from three-point land. He entered the game as the nation's most accurate shooter from that range.
Thursday's game was a troubling turnabout from Monday's home win, when UIC exploded during a 33-7 second half run and appeared to have the Midas touch on offense. The Flames made seven of 10 three-point shots after holding a 24-20 lead at the half, eventually leading by as many as 28. Mayo led the team with 18 points and sophomore point guard Spencer Stewart recorded a game-high six assists.
The victory over Valpo improved the Flames' home record to 12-1, compared to their 3-10 road record after falling to the Titans.
The loss at Detroit puts a serious damper on the Flames hopes of finishing in the top two spots in the Horizon League, which earns a team an automatic spot in the league championship tournament semifinals. Because of the loss, UIC entered last Saturday's game at second place Wright State with a two game deficit in the race for second place.
Instead of the game being a battle for that coveted spot, the Flames entered with just four games remaining to make up those two losses, including a home game against nationally ranked Butler on Wednesday.
After the showdown against Butler, UIC will head to Northern Iowa University on Saturday for a non-conference match-up.
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