UIC vs IUPUI Recap

What Happened
UIC rallied back in the second half to defeat IUPUI 71-62 at the UIC Pavilion on Saturday afternoon. Sophomore Jordan Blount paved the way for UIC (11-11, 6-3) despite only scoring seven points. He caused three straight turnovers late in the game to give UIC the lead for good. Blount left his mark with 14 rebounds, seven assists and five steals in an all-around effort that led to UIC’s victory.

Sophomore Marcus Ottey led the Flames with 18 points, 13 of which came in the second half. Redshirt sophomore Dikembe Dixson added 15 points and senior Tai Odiase contributed 11 points, nine rebounds and four blocks.

Both teams struggled offensively in the first half, as IUPUI led 32-27 after 20 minutes. UIC only shot 33.3% from the field, with Dixson leading the way with nine points. Odiase added a strong interior presence with five points, five rebounds and two blocks.

IUPUI only shot 36.7% from the field in the first half, but made 4-of-9 three’s to separate themselves from UIC. Ron Patterson scored nine points and shot 3-of-4 from three.

With the Flames down 32-27 at the half, the defense sparked the comeback victory. IUPUI only shot 29.2% in the second half, while UIC shot 60% from the field. This led to the Flames outscoring IUPUI 44-30 in the second half.

Reserves Godwin Boahen and Clint Robinson were the catalysts for the second-half comeback, combining to score 13 consecutive points for the Flames during a 13-7 run that allowed them to reclaim the lead 49-48 with 8:17 left in the game.

Key Sequence
Blount turned defense to offense three consecutive times to give UIC the lead for good late in the game. He stole the ball from Aaron Brennan with 7:09 left, then proceeded to start the fast break and connect with Odiase for an alley-oop. Blount stole the ball from Brennan again on the next possession, which led to two free throw’s from Ottey to give UIC a 54-50 lead with 6:29 left. He put the icing on the cake with a third consecutive steal, and he converted on the other end with an emphatic dunk to give UIC a 56-50 lead with 6:19 left in the game. UIC never relinquished the lead and went on to win.

What It Means
UIC has won 6 of its last 7 games to improve 6-3 in the Horizon League and retain 4th place.

What’s Next
The Flames head on a pivotal three-game road trip that starts on Monday at Milwaukee. Although UIC routed Milwaukee 88-73 earlier this month at home, the Panthers have won three straight including a win over first-place Wright State.

Notes
-Robinson returned after a one-game absence to score seven crucial points off the bench. He was effective on both ends of the floor, also blocking three shots. Robinson appears to be healthy, which is good news moving forward for UIC.

Greg Kampe’s Take on UIC

UIC suffered a tough home loss to perennial Horizon League power Oakland on Monday night. The Flames lost 78-68 in a game that was much closer than the final score indicates. Both teams were tied at 65 with 3:43 left in the game.

Oakland eventually pulled away, led by the nation’s #2 leading scorer and Chicago native, Kendrick Nunn. He appears to be the best player in the Horizon League, his talent shined when Oakland needed him most down the stretch. Nunn finished with 32 points, nine rebounds and four assists while playing the entire game.

The loss undoubtedly hurt UIC, but Oakland head coach Greg Kampe sees brighter days for the Flames. UIC and head coach Steve McClain earned praise from Kampe following the close bout between the two programs. “You gotta give a guy time to get his system in,” Kampe explained. “I know one thing, he’s got long athletes. That wasn’t easy to do. So that’s the first step.”

Upon being hired in the spring of 2015, McClain went to work and hit the recruiting trail hard to bring in talented players. He landed Dominique Matthews, who starred at St. Rita in Chicago before taking a post-graduate year at Victory Rock Preparatory School in Florida. Matthews has provided valuable scoring and perimeter defense off the bench this year.

But the most impressive recruiting haul in 2015 was getting Dikembe Dixson in June over several high-major teams, including DePaul. Dixson fits Kampe’s description of long athletes, and he’s picked up his performance of late to play at a high level.

McClain’s best recruiting effort was in the 2016 class, which includes current guards Godwin Boahen, Tarkus Ferguson and Marcus Ottey. Big men Jordan Blount and Clint Robinson are also a part of the 2016 class, which was regarded as one of the top classes in the Horizon League. Landing Ottey was particularly impressive and similar to Dixson, as he considered high-majors as well.

Kampe explained the next stage in developing a mid-major college program. “Now the second step is building a winning culture,” Kampe said. “He knows how to do that. He’s been at Indiana, he’s been at, when he was at Wyoming and won. He’s a really good coach. His culture will take time. Then you gotta win, and that ain’t easy, alright. Now, back in the day, it wasn’t easy when we were building it. So you have to give him time to build his culture because he’s proven that he can recruit players. And now those players need to learn how to win, they have to learn how to win in this league.”

UIC learned a valuable lesson from Oakland on winning and finishing out close games. The Flames’ youth showed, they couldn’t convert on shots when they needed them most. Oakland was poised under pressure, which led to their victory.

But brighter days are on the horizon, success is within reach according to Kampe. “You see that coming, I mean its coming, its close,” Kampe shared. “They’re not far away, and he’s still playing a lot of young kids. I do think they are way ahead of the curve. If I were a UIC fan I would be excited about our future. Now, some people might not be happy because this year hasn’t gone the way it was supposed to, but Tarkus Ferguson was out. That kid’s really good. Injuries at this level are huge, they’re huge at any level but especially at ours because we don’t have McDonald’s All-Americans sitting on the bench like Duke does.”

Kampe touched on the importance of UIC’s point guard. Ferguson has added stability since returning from a foot injury that sidelined him all of December, and UIC has reaped the benefits going 3-1 with him healthy. But in Ferguson’s void, UIC went 1-6 against Division I opponents in December. As Ferguson goes, so does UIC.

The numbers don’t lie. It’s night and day when you dive into the way UIC played with and without Ferguson.

Without Ferguson
1-6 record
58 assists as a team, 123 turnovers

With Ferguson Back
3-1 record
65 assists as a team, 61 turnovers

Ferguson has produced 29 assists since returning, compared to committing only 11 turnovers in 117 minutes. He has not shot the ball well, especially from three, but he affects the game in so many ways that he is clearly integral to UIC’s success.

UIC appears to be trending upwards with 12 conference games left. Kampe thinks UIC is a real wild-card, their season can go in many different directions. “It would not surprise me if they won every game the rest of the year,” Kampe said. “It would not surprise me if they went 50-50.”

Whether you agree or disagree with Kampe’s assessment of UIC’s potential to win out or be mediocre, his take on the Flames and the state of UIC in year three under McClain make them compelling and a team to monitor closely going forward.

UIC vs Oakland Recap

What Happened

UIC snapped its three game winning streak and lost to Oakland 78-68 on Monday night at the UIC Pavilion. Chicago native Kendrick Nunn erupted for 32 points in his return to the Windy City, leading Oakland to victory.

Dikembe Dixson and Tai Odiase led the Flames with 13 points each and Marcus Ottey chipped in 12. Tarkus Ferguson stuffed the stat sheet again to the tune of eight points, seven rebounds and six assists.

It was a tale of two halves for UIC (8-11, 3-3). Oakland led UIC 44-40 to conclude the first half in a game that had seven lead changes and six ties. UIC shot 51.9% from the field and was led by Dixson’s nine points. The Flames enjoyed a balanced offensive effort as Jordan Blount and Ottey each scored eight and Odiase added seven. But Oakland’s offense outshined UIC’s, as Nunn scored 18 points. Jalen Hayes added 13 of his own, as the duo showcased why they’re the nation’s best scoring duo. Oakland shot 54.5% from the field.

UIC struggled with its shot in the second half, shooting 35.3% from the field and committed eight turnovers. The poor offensive output proved to be the difference in the game. Dixson’s strong first half did not carry over into the second half, as he only made 1-of-10 shots. Ottey battled foul trouble and only scored four points in eight minutes in the second half. UIC’s top offensive threats only scoring eight points proved to be its demise.

Key Sequence

Nunn made a two-point jumper with 3:25 left to break a 65-65 tie, and he was fouled by Blount. He made the free throw to give Oakland a 68-65 lead, which it never relinquished and UIC never got any closer. Odiase missed a hook shot then Hayes converted on a two-pointer on the ensuing possessions.

What It Means

UIC now has a .500 record in the Horizon League. The Flames continue to play at a high level since the return of Ferguson, despite the home loss to Oakland. UIC was very much in it and nearly pulled off what would have been head coach Steve McClain’s signature win.

What’s Next

UIC begins a two-game road trip and takes on Youngstown State (5-14, 3-3) on Thursday evening. First year head coach Jerrod Calhoun won his first three Horizon League games, but has lost three in a row. The Penguins lost 77-67 to Wright State tonight.

Notes

-UIC is now 3-1 since Ferguson has been back in the lineup. His most important impact? 29 assists to only 11 turnovers in 117 minutes. Ferguson may not be scoring well yet, but he has contributed all over to average 6.5 ppg, 7.3 apg, 5.3 rpg, 1.3 spg and 1.0 bpg.

Recruiting Update

Tarkus Ferguson missing all of December with a foot injury highlighted a serious void in UIC’s roster: point guard depth. While sophomores Godwin Boahen and Marcus Ottey are capable of scoring at a high level, both struggled manning the point while Ferguson was out.

UIC has made the point guard position a point of emphasis in the 2018 class, which currently only includes junior college big man Isaac Bassey. He is averaging 3.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg thus far for State Fair Community College, which is 14-3 so far this season.

UIC has two scholarships left in the 2018 class. The Flames have targeted two point guards thus far, Chase Adams and Tyler Cheese. UIC has also offered Tyreek Scott-Grayson, a teammate of Bassey at State Fair Community College.

Adams, who plays for Orr, garnered an offer on 1/2/18 during a visit to UIC after a strong showing at the Proviso West Holiday Tournament. Adams, listed at 5-foot-8 and 135 pounds, led Orr in claiming the Proviso West Holiday Tournament championship. In four games, all wins, Adams averaged 12.3 ppg and 4.5 apg. He handed out 18 assists and only committed six turnovers.

Adams arrived at Marian Catholic with great hype thanks to dominating at the middle school level alongside Chicago State commit Kezo Brown. Arizona, Baylor and DePaul pursued Adams early on, but that interest fizzled out over time. Adams transferred to Orr over the summer and has thrived with his new team.

Orr is 13-3 and currently ranked #3 by the Chicago Sun-Times. Adams has led Orr as a facilitator, playing alongside Milwaukee-bound guard Tyronn Mosley and two unsigned seniors: Dannie Smith, a 6-foot-5 skilled combo forward and Raekwon Drake, a 6-foot-5 high-flying big man. Smith and Drake are two names to monitor going forward.

Adams was offered by Oral Roberts and Southern Utah over the summer, in addition to his recent offer from UIC.

Cheese, listed at 6-foot-4, plays for Florida Southwestern State College. The big point guard is ranked #52 in the JucoRecruiting.com 2018 class. Cheese is currently averaging 16.4 ppg, 6.9 apg, 5.3 rpg and 2.3 spg. Florida Southwestern State College is 18-1 thus far, thanks to Cheese leading the way.

UIC offered Cheese on 1/6/18, and he also sports offers from Canisius, Mercer and North Carolina Central.

Scott-Grayson is listed at 6-foot-5 and is a freshman qualifier, meaning he’ll be eligible to transfer to a Division I team next season and play as a sophomore. He’s an athletic lefty who is averaging 12.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.1 apg.

UIC offered Scott-Grayson on 12/20/17, and Texas State has also extended an offer.

UIC vs Milwaukee Recap

What Happened

UIC once again started strong en route to a 88-73 victory over Milwaukee on Friday night at the UIC Pavilion. The Flames (8-10, 3-2) are winners of three consecutive Horizon League games.

Sophomore guard Tarkus Ferguson led the way with an impressive all-around effort: 15 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks. After being held to three first-half points, redshirt sophomore Dikembe Dixson exploded for 19 second-half points. Sophomore guard Marcus Ottey finished with 20 points.

UIC played a strong first half, limiting Milwaukee to 27.6% shooting from the field. The Flames shot 48.5% themselves, led by Ottey and his 11 first-half points. Dominique Matthews, who only scored four points against Green Bay, added eight points to provide a key spark off the bench.

The Flames strong start carried into the second half, especially with Dixson stepping up and scoring at a high-level. Milwaukee’s offense improved greatly in the second half, but UIC’s offense matched the Panthers to hold on to the lead and secure the victory.

Key Sequence

Milwaukee cut UIC’s lead to 12 with 4:10 led in the game. Ferguson responded with a floater to increase UIC’s lead to 14, and Milwaukee was never able to get any closer.

What It Means

UIC has now won three straight conference games and have improved to 3-2 in the Horizon League.

What’s Next

Oakland (11-8, 3-3), off to an uncharacteristically poor start in Horizon League play, will play UIC on Monday at the Pavilion. Oakland defeated Cleveland State tonight on the road. They’re led by Jalen Hayes, Kendrick Nunn and Martez Walker, who all average at least 18 points per game.

Notes

-Ferguson has accumulated 21 assists the last two games and only committed four turnovers in 64 minutes of play. He looked to drive more than in the previous two games, which led to some finishes in the paint. Paint touches open up the floor for Ferguson and his teammates.

-Ottey has now scored at least 15 points in his last five games, all Horizon League games. He’s currently averaging 17.2 points in conference play, best for the Flames.

-Dixson has made 64% of his shots the last two games, and 75% of his three point attempts. While those percentages are unsustainable long-term, producing at such an efficient manner gives UIC two potent scorer’s in Dixson and Ottey.

UIC vs. Green Bay Recap

What Happened

UIC easily defeated Green Bay 84-73 Wednesday evening at the UIC Pavilion behind an impressive offensive showing. The Flames (7-10, 2-2) have now won back-to-back Horizon League games, their previous victory coming on the road at IUPUI.

Redshirt sophomore Dikembe Dixson led four UIC double-digit scorer’s with 23 points while shooting a remarkable 10-of-12 from the field. Godwin Boahen (16 points), Jordan Blount (13 points) and Marcus Ottey (16 points) provided excellent support to Dixson.

UIC held Green Bay to 25 first-half points on a dismal 34.4% from the field. The Phoenix only made 1-of-14 three’s in the first half. UIC, on the other hand, scored 42 first-half points and shot 60% from the field. UIC’s great start propelled it to a victory in a game where the final score was bit deceiving, as the Flames thoroughly dominated Green Bay.

Sophomore guard Tarkus Ferguson, in his second game back after suffering a foot injury, went scoreless but had a significant impact thanks to his career-high 12 assists.

Key Sequence

UIC jumped out to a 15-2 lead to start the game, seizing control early thanks to strong defense. Green Bay shot 1-of-13 during the run and went scoreless for nearly six minutes. Green Bay’s horrendous start was too much to overcome, the closest they were able to get to UIC was a nine point deficit late in the game.

What It Means

After losing to Wright State and Northern Kentucky, who are both tied for first place in the Horizon league with undefeated records of 4-0, UIC wins consecutive conference games to get to .500. Milwaukee looms on Friday evening, but UIC is favored at home.

What’s Next

Milwaukee (9-9, 2-3) and first-year head coach Pat Baldwin make the short trip to Chicago after losing to IUPUI on Wednesday night on a buzzer-beater.

Notes

-Jordan Blount tied a career-high with 13 points while shooting 6-of-9 from the field. He also added seven rebounds in 24 minutes of play. Blount finished well near the rim and was assertive in looking for his shot.

-Dikembe Dixson and Marcus Ottey were both electric in the open-court on fastbreak opportunities. They took great shots within the flow of the offense, which was crucial in both of them combining to shoot 15-of-20 from the field and 5-of-6 from three. They also benefited from Ferguson and his crisp passes.

-Godwin Boahen also had a great game off the bench, shooting 4-of-5 from the field and 3-of-4 from three. He really thrives when he can play both on and off the ball, and he is very effective in catch-and-shoot opportunities.