Illinois-Chicago asserted its dominance over Southern Indiana, winning 84-73 at the Ocean Center. The Flames' Ahmad Henderson II led the charge, scoring 20 points to pace his team. Henderson's performance was a key factor in UIC's victory, as the Flames outscored the Screaming Eagles 47-46 in the second half to secure the 11-point win.
At halftime, UIC held a 10-point lead, with the score standing at 37-27. The Flames' Mekhi Lowery was instrumental in building this advantage, as he chipped in with 13 points and 10 rebounds for the game. Jayce Nathaniel also contributed 10 points for UIC, helping to stretch the defense and create scoring opportunities.
Southern Indiana's Tolu Samuels was the standout performer for the Screaming Eagles, posting an impressive double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Ismail Habib and Cardell Bailey also had notable games, scoring 13 and 12 points, respectively. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Flames.
The game was marked by a series of runs, with UIC using a strong start to the second half to build a commanding lead. Southern Indiana fought hard to stay within striking distance, but the Flames' depth and athleticism ultimately proved too much for them. As the final buzzer sounded, UIC had emerged victorious, having outplayed the Screaming Eagles for much of the contest.
This win will have a significant impact on UIC's resume, as it counts as a Quadrant 4 victory. While not the most prestigious win, it is still an important result for the Flames, who are looking to bolster their tournament chances. For Southern Indiana, the loss is a Quadrant 3 defeat, which will not severely damage their resume but does highlight the need for improvement.
The Flames' ability to close out the game and secure the win will be a major confidence booster, especially given their performance in the second half. With the victory, UIC improves to 12-10 on the season, while Southern Indiana falls to 5-15. As the season progresses, the Flames want to build on this win and make a push for a stronger tournament seed. For now, they can take pride in a dominant performance, led by the impressive play of Ahmad Henderson II. The win is a reflection of UIC's strength and depth, and it will be an important result to reference as the tournament selection committee evaluates their resume.