What Happened
DePaul defeated UIC 65-55 at the Pavilion Saturday afternoon. DePaul’s defense severely limited the Flames (3-6), holding UIC to 30.6% shooting from the field.
Redshirt sophomore Dominique Matthews led UIC as the only double-digit scorer with 13 points. Redshirt sophomore Dikembe Dixson and senior Tai Odiase each contributed nine points, but Dixson only shot 2-of-13 from the field.
Key Sequence
After cutting the lead to 57-51 after a free throw by Odiase with 4:28 left in the game, UIC failed to connect on a field goal after numerous attempts and defensive stops. DePaul wing Max Strus then went on to make a three, extending the lead to 60-51 with 3:04 left. UIC never got closer than the six point deficit late in the game.
What It Means
UIC shocked DePaul last year by winning on the Blue Demons home court. DePaul got its revenge thanks to Max Strus, who was not eligible last year after transferring over from Divison II Lewis University.
What’s Next
UIC takes on Dartmouth on Friday at the UIC Pavilion. The Flames will get plenty of practice time to continue to find good lineup combinations to replace Tarkus Ferguson, who is out with a foot injury.
Notes
-Odiase blocked six shots, moving him into first place all-time in UIC history. Odiase has been an elite rim-protector throughout his four-year career.
-UIC shot 19-for-25 from the free throw line as a team, but their struggles from the field led to their loss.
