Illinois-Chicago used a strong first-half performance to set the tone and then held off a late surge by Indiana State, securing a 76-74 victory at Credit Union 1 Arena. The Flames, led by Josiah Hammons' 13 points, built a 41-32 halftime lead and managed to withstand a second-half push by the Sycamores.
Sterling Young was the catalyst for Indiana State, finishing with 14 points and 6 assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome the early deficit. The Sycamores outscored UIC 42-35 in the second half, but the Flames' balanced attack was the difference. Elijah Crawford and Ahmad Henderson II joined Hammons in double figures, scoring 12 points each, while Crawford also added 6 assists.
The game unfolded with UIC taking control early, using a 12-2 run midway through the first half to build a 9-point lead. Indiana State trimmed the deficit to 6 at halftime, but UIC maintained a slim margin throughout the second half. The Sycamores made a late push, cutting the lead to 2 with just over a minute remaining, but the Flames made enough free throws to seal the win.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout had predicted a UIC victory by 8.4 points, and while the actual margin was much slimmer, the prediction ultimately proved correct. The Flames' ability to hold off Indiana State's late charge was a reflection of their resilience and depth.
This result has real consequences for both teams' resumes. For UIC, the win is classified as a Quadrant 4 victory, which may not greatly enhance their tournament chances but does help to bolster their overall record. The Flames now sit at 12-10 on the season, and while they still have work to do to become a serious tournament contender, they have taken a step in the right direction.
For Indiana State, the loss is a Quadrant 3 defeat, which is not overly damaging but does little to help their flagging tournament hopes. The Sycamores, now 9-13, must string together a series of wins to get back into the postseason conversation. As it stands, their chances of making a deep run in the tournament appear slim, and they will likely need to win their conference tournament to secure a bid.
The outcome of this game may not have been an upset, but it was a hard-fought victory for UIC, one that demonstrates their ability to close out tight games. As the season enters its final stretch, the Flames want to build on this win and make a push for a stronger tournament resume.