UIC Set to Begin Horizon League Play
After a disappointing loss to city rival Loyola, UIC now turns it focus to Horizon League opponents
UIC faced a big test yesterday against an established mid-major power that also resides in Chicago. Loyola defeated UIC 77-66 by focusing on two of the Flames’ top offensive threats: juniors Braelen Bridges and RayQuawndis Mitchell. The dynamic duo came into the game averaging 27 ppg combined (Bridges with 13 ppg, Mitchell with 14 ppg). But they were limited to seven points combined, the first time this season that neither scored in double-figures. What can be learned as Horizon League play starts on Saturday?
Bridges Will Face Constant Pressure Moving Forward, Double-Teams Included
The second Bridges received a pass, an additional Loyola defender would rush to double-team. Bridges did do a serviceable job passing out of the double-team (two assists), but his teammates need to do better by relocating and making themselves available for catch-and-shoot opportunities. He only finished with five points, but did connect on a mid-range jumper. The threat of a shot attempt outside of the paint could also prevent double-teams moving forward. Regardless, Loyola has set the precedent: double Bridges in the paint, and force someone else to score.
Lengthy, Rangy Defenders Bother Mitchell on the Perimeter
Loyola assigned Aher Uguak, listed at 6-foot-7 and 225 pounds, to defend Mitchell and he effectively neutralized him. Mitchell struggled to generate space with his jump shot (0-5 from three, 1-7 overall). Uguak is a big, fluid athlete with the strength and quickness to shadow Mitchell. Horizon League opponents will employ similar methods to slow down Mitchell, so UIC will need to put him in better situations to succeed. Better screens off the ball to free up Mitchell should help, but he also has to keep taking quality shots.
Notes
Redshirt senior Rob Howard made his first appearance of the year and settled into the backup center role well, scoring 11 points in 11 minutes off the bench. Howard shot 37.8% from three in 2018-2019, showing glimpses of being a big that shoot, albeit a small sample size. He made all three of his three-point attempts against Loyola, adding another wrinkle to the offense. Howard’s return bodes well when Bridges battles foul trouble, and allows Michael Diggins to focus on the combo forward position.
Junior Maurice Commander got the start and played 32 minutes. Although he struggled in the scoring department (five points on 2-9 shooting), he had three assists and zero turnovers. Commander is steady as a primary ball-handler, and can co-exist with another ball-dominant facilitator like Teyvion Kirk on the court at the same time. As the season progresses, UIC will need both to run the offense and put others in good scoring opportunities.