Nov. 30, 2008

Box Score

Chicago, Ill. - The UIC women's basketball team improved to 3-0 on the season with a 70-54 victory over SIU Edwardsville on Sunday afternoon at the Pavilion.

This is the first time the Flames have opened their season with a 3-0 mark since 2002-03.

"It is really nice to get the momentum going in our favor," said head coach Lisa Ryckbosch. "Grobby really lifted us on both ends of the court. We had moments of execution and hope to continue this winning streak."

UIC's bench contributed 24 points on the night. The Flames also outrebounded the Cougars, 62-32.

Jessie Miller picked up a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Nikki Grobbecker totaled a season-best 10 boards, while Briana Hinkle, Meghan Hutchens and Cassie Johnson each pitched in nine points in the win.

Brittany Imig led the Cougars with 14 points. Jessie Stapleton added a team-high 11 rebounds.

Tied at 6-6 after the first three minutes of play, UIC sparked a 12-4 run to take an 18-10 advantage. Trailing by nine points at the 12:23 mark, SIUE drained two straight three-pointers to cut the deficit to three points (24-21).

The Flames bounced back from the Cougars' short burst with their own 12-3 run to widen the gap to 11 points with four minutes left in the first half. UIC headed into intermission with a 38-29 lead.

The Cougars stepped it up a notch offensively to open the second half. SIUE got within seven points with 12:58 remaining in regulation, but UIC sealed the win after taking a 14-point lead midway through the half. UIC led by as much as 20 points in the final 20 minutes of play.

UIC is back in action on Wednesday, Dec. 3 when they welcome Florida Atlantic to the Pavilion at 7 p.m.