For the first time in three years, the matchup between the UIC Flames and Drake Bulldogs ended in regulation, and for the first time in over two decades, in favor of the Flames 74-70.
UIC trailed by 1 (33-32) at the half and answered each one of Drake’s scoring attempts until pulling ahead in the last five minutes of play to hand the Bulldogs their first loss of the season.
Both teams struggled behind the 3-point line during the first half, shooting an identical 33.3% in the first 20 minutes. Drake (12-1, 2-1 MVC) found its footing during the second half. Bulldogs leading scorer Bennett Stirtz put up 30 points and 12 assists, shooting 63.2%, his highest so far this season.
After being named Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week, Flames sophomore Saša Ciani tallied nine points and five rebounds across just 17 minutes of play. Wednesday’s competition allows Ciani to extend his conference-wide lead in rebounds.
However, Flames (9-4, 2-1 MVC) newcomers Tyem Freeman and Jordan Mason were key to the Flames’ first victory over Drake since 2000. Freeman, a graduate student who played at Kent State last season, scored 15 points. Mason added a season-high 19 points against the Bulldogs, shooting 100% from the 3-point line.
“As cliche as it sounds, we’re just taking things day by day,” Flames head coach Rob Ehsan told Mid-Major Basketball. “To beat them on our home court, on New Year’s Day – it’s special. It’s a huge win for the program.”
