Flames Struggle in Return to HL Play
UIC returned after a 2+ week break in play due to COVID-19, but a limited roster led to a sweep at the hands of newcomer Purdue Fort Wayne.
UIC endured a difficult return to play without the services of Braelen Bridges, Maurice Commander, Zion Griffin and RayQuawndis Mitchell. Those losses mounted pressure on the seven scholarship players who were healthy to play, particularly junior point guard Teyvion Kirk. The burden was too much, as UIC’s typically stout defense faltered and the Flames lost to Purdue Fort Wayne 96-89 and 88-55 this past weekend.
Lack of Playmakers Evident
Kirk was the lone player who could consistently break down the defense via the dribble, so playmaking and shot opportunities were readily available. The results reflected that: Kirk scored 39 points and dished 11 assists in 72 minutes combined. It did take him 37 field goal attempts to reach that mark, and he committed 13 turnovers. Kirk was clearly the focal point of the Purdue Fort Wayne defense, his high volume games weren’t enough for UIC.
The Flames were so shorthanded that there were stretches when Michael Diggins, Brian Taylor or Griffin Yaklich were the primary ballhandlers. Those are not ideal circumstances and a ton of pressure for those players. Commander and Mitchell were gravely missed.
3-point Defense Regresses
UIC has played stellar defense, especially from beyond the arc. Purdue Fort Wayne humbled the Flames en route to an accurate performance from three. The Mastodons made 19 three’s in two games at an impressive 57.6%. Deonte Billups really shined, making a ridiculous 8-of-10 from three. Redshirt junior Jarred Godfrey had his way from all three levels, totaling 57 points across both games. Godfrey looks poised to compete for All-Horizon League honors. The Flames had no answers for the duo, and will look to bounce back defensively against another newcomer to the Horizon League: Robert Morris.
Despite Green Light, Ahale Fails to Capitalize
Jamie Ahale really shined in UIC’s last two games against Oakland, but regression to the mean occurred at an inopportune time for the Flames and Ahale. The Australian wing attempted 25 three’s in two games against Purdue Fort Wayne, a high number that speaks to the conditions of the game and head coach Luke Yaklich’s confidence in him. But Ahale only connected on six three-pointers, with five coming in the first game. His season average now sits at 35.9%, with the Division I average being 33.4%. If UIC is shorthanded again, Ahale will continue to let it fly for deep. Whether he outperforms, like he did against Milwaukee, or underwhelms like he did this past weekend, will go a long way in determining UIC’s success. As I’ve stated before, UIC needs Ahale to attempt at least five three’s per game, and ideally connect on 40% or so. When pressed into a bigger role, defenses can hone in on him, since his only realistic threat on the court is the catch-and-shoot three.