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.