UIC Gets Back In Win Column As Horizon League Tournament Looms
The Flames split series against Green Bay, end seven game losing streak
UIC’s seven game losing streak ended on Friday night as the Flames defeated Green Bay 61-58 led by Teyvion Kirk’s 19 points. But the Phoenix responded by defeating the Flames 69-59 on senior night, effectively limiting Kirk in the rematch.
With the Horizon League regular season coming to a close, UIC finished 6-10 in conference play during head coach Luke Yaklich’s first season at the helm. The Flames earned the #11 seed in the Horizon League Tournament, and face Youngstown State on Thursday. UIC split the season series against the Penguins, winning a game on a buzzer-beater from Michael Diggins. Juniors Zion Griffin and RayQuawndis Mitchell missed those games but Mitchell is healthy for this matchup. Griffin is still nursing a bone bruise in his leg and his status is up the in the air.
Kirk Continues Stuffing the Stat Sheet
The redshirt junior was one of only two Flames (Braelen Bridges was the other) to score in double-figures in both games against Green Bay. Kirk also led UIC in assist’s both games, while limiting his turnovers. Turnovers have been a struggle for Kirk throughout his career, dating back to his time at Ohio. He was efficient in the first game against Youngstown State, scoring a game-high 19 points. Kirk shot 8-13 from two and 3-3 from the free throw line. Green Bay responded by honing in on Kirk and tightly contesting his shots the next day and Kirk struggled. He scored 11 points but needed 15 field goal attempts to get there.
Against Youngstown State, Kirk will need to delicately balance creating for himself and his teammates. Bridges has been phenomenal in the interior during conference play, shooting 67% from the field. His per 40 minutes stats in conference play are: 23.2 points and 10.5 rebounds. Horizon League big men struggle defending Bridges inside, which leads to points and fouls drawn. Kirk needs to get Bridges the ball inside early and often. Maurice Commander is also another consistent scorer for UIC, on limited shots. The junior transfer from Chattanooga has been very effective from three, shooting 48% from deep on 4.8 attempts per game. That’s elite and the threat of Commander’s jumper opens up the court for Kirk. How well Kirk takes a back seat to Bridges and Commander will determine UIC’s success against Youngstown State.