UIC Defense Recalibrates, Sweep Robert Morris
Flames hold Colonials to 30% and 33.3% shooting from the field and Braelen Bridges and Maurice Commander returned from their absences.
UIC’s defense returned to form in an impressive dismantling of Horizon League newcomer Robert Morris, winning 67-53 and 66-22 (overtime). The return of Braelen Bridges and Maurice Commander played in a key role for the Flames (7-4, 4-2), and Teyvion Kirk continued his strong all-around play. With daunting road trips to Youngstown State and Northern Kentucky looming, UIC took care of business at home.
Commander’s Presence Is Paramount
UIC really missed Commander, as the Flames had to solely rely on Kirk as the lone playmaker against Purdue Fort Wayne. While Commander’s stat line in the first game against Robert Morris didn’t jump off the page (six points, three assists on 1-5 shooting), he played 33 minutes and complemented Kirk very well. The UIC offense flows much better with another capable ball-handler like Commander on the floor, who keeps the ball moving and can shine at the free throw line.
In the second game, Commander scored double-digits (15 points) for the first time this year, while also grabbing eight rebounds. He made four crucial free throws in the final stretch of overtime to seal the game, going 8-10 for the game at the charity stripe. When Zion Griffin and RayQuawndis Mitchell return, it may cut into Commander’s playing time. But he has firmly cemented his role in the rotation, and UIC will always need one of Commander or Kirk as the facilitator on the court.
Center Rotation Is Set
Bridges returned to provide a much needed offensive spark off the bench, 19 points in two games. Rob Howard retained his starting spot, but having an offensively talented big like Bridges as insurance off the bench is a luxury for the Flames. Especially when Howards battles foul trouble. The redshirt junior from Atlanta is very comfortable with his back to the basket and welcomes double-teams. Bridges is still working on navigating the double-team and finding the open man, but the lefty is a load for teams to handle down low. Defensively, he doesn’t have the mobility or rim-protection of Howard, but as he gets healthier his sheer size alone will alter shots.
Howard is the more well-rounded big man at this stage who is a two-way player. It was Howard who drew the first two shots in overtime, and connected on post touches in the paint. Howard has really thrived under new head coach Luke Yaklich, averaging 12.3 points and 5.1 rebounds. The wildcard component of his game is his three-point shot, he’s currently shooting 50% from three on 3.1 attempts per game. Howard has made at least one 3-pointer in six of the seven games he’s appeared in this year, and he also shoots well from the free throw line (86.7%). What additionally earns him minutes is his rim-protection (1.1 blocks per game). Howard’s lone flaw has been foul trouble, as he’s fouled out of four games and averages 4.4 fouls per game. With a healthy Bridges in the fold, UIC’s center position is a major strength.