Women's Basketball Beats Bradley In Season Opener, 72-61
Nov. 22, 2008
Chicago, Ill. - Head coach Lisa Ryckbosch tied the record as UIC's all-time winningest coach on Saturday afternoon with a 72-61 victory over Bradley at the Pavilion. With 89 career victories, the Chicago native already owns the highest winning percentage in school history at .500. Jessie Miller totaled a game-high 24 points. The junior was 9-for-14 from the field and 3-for-6 from beyond the arc. Briana Hinkle chipped in 14 points, seven rebounds and a team-best four steals. Jasmine Bailey recorded her first collegiate double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Michelle Lund paced Bradley with 18 points. "We got a great win under our belt tonight," said Ryckbosch. "There are a few things that we need to clean up, but we had great mental intensity and effort. A lot of players contributed and we are pleased with the win." The Flames exploded offensively in the opening minutes of their season opener with a 12-5 run. UIC more than doubled its advantage with 11:44 left in the half on a layup by Shameia Green. Bradley answered with five straight points, but the Flames regained their second double-figure lead (35-23) on an 11-7 burst. A late push by the Braves before intermission cut the deficit to seven points heading into the break (39-32). Three minutes into the second half, Bradley sparked a 15-6 run to close the gap to get within two points with 8:38 on the clock. The Braves tied the game for the first time on a jumper by Kelly Krumwiede. Lund gave Bradley it first lead with a three-pointer on its next possession, but Miller evened the score at 57 each with her second trey of the contest. UIC built a six-point lead before the Braves cut it in half on a three-pointer.
The momentum fell back into UIC's advantage when newcomer Kiara Strickland found Miller in the paint for an easy layup and a five-point lead with less than a minute left in regulation. The Flames went on to defeat Bradley, 72-61. UIC continues its home slate on Tuesday, Nov. 25 with a matchup against Canisius at 7 p.m. |
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