The UIC Flames picked up their fifth win of the season after beating the Jaguars 67-65 on the road. IUPUI will lose some sleep after letting this game slip away from them. Coach Crenshaw and the Jags are still in search of their first Division 1 win as they sit 1-12 overall and 0-4 in Horizon League play.

Luke Yaklich’s Flames took a 29-28 lead into the half. It was a struggle as both teams really had to work for their points. It seemed as though the turnover bug was hitting both teams as they had a combined 17 turnovers. Although his team had a lead at half, UIC shot the ball very poorly from the field as they chucked up 18 threes and only made 8 of them.

IUPUI tried mixing in different defenses in the second half of the game with a mixture of man to man, and 2-3 zone. But the offensive struggles really It was an unfortunate loss for Coach Crenshaw’s men as they had led for a good majority of the game. They showed a fight that many have been hoping to see from this squad for a little while now. If they continue to play like this, they will find their first D1 win here shortly.

Both teams being shorthanded due to Non-COVID issues, scoring was well balanced for both teams as Kevin Johnson led all scorers with 17 for the Flames. Bakari LaStrap led the Jaguars with 16 points.

The Jaguars next opportunity to get that first D1 win is Thursday as they travel to Wisconsin to play Green Bay. The Flames go to Milwaukee on Thursday as well as we get deeper into conference play.