On Wednesday night, the UIC Flames edged out the Murray State Racers 97-93 in a thrilling double-overtime battle. The hard-fought victory marked just the second win in program history for the Flames against the Racers, narrowing the all-time series to 4-2. Flames guard Javon Jackson posted a season-high 30 points in an electric fashion, and upholds his top spot on the team’s scoring leaderboard.
“This was a big-time team win,” Jackson told MidMajorBasketball.com. “We’ve learned from our mistakes and now it’s time to keep the ball rolling.”
Early on, it was clear that the game would be a competition of strength versus fluidity as Murray State moved the ball around the court with ease. Down at the half (36-33), the Flames fought hard under the hoop, as sophomore Saša Ciani recorded his sixth double-double of the season, ranking atop the Missouri Valley Conference.
Senior Filip Skobalj put the Flames on the board. The fourth-year Flame struggled behind the 3-point line on Wednesday, a contrast from his usual performance. He currently leads the Flames in 3-point scoring percentage (45.1%). Skobalj set the tone for Wednesday’s overtime contest, sinking an impressive 3 immediately after tip-off in the first OT.
Alden Applewhite led Murray State with 22 points against the Flames. Terence Harcum made three free throws to send the competition into the first extra period at 76-76. Kylen Milton and Nick Ellington also had notable performances for the Racers, contributing 15 and 13 points, respectively.
The Racers couldn’t keep their lead, especially with a standout performance from UIC’s Tyem Freeman. The fifth-year guard recorded his highest-scoring game of the season with 21 points, shooting 75% from the field and 50% from behind the 3-point line.
After the game, UIC head coach Rob Ehsan’s comments centered around one feeling: pride. It was an important victory for the Flames, who dropped two of their last three conference games leading up to Wednesday. Up next, the Flames face Valparaiso at 4 p.m. ET Saturday on the road.
[…] Wednesday night, the UIC Flames edged out the Murray State Racers 97-93 in a thrilling double-overtime battle. The hard-fought victory marked just the second win in […]