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On to the finals: UIC downs Butler
FLAMES TO MEET UWM FOR TITLE
(3/06/04)
The Flames (23-7) led almost the entire way, but did not own a comfortable margin until the final minute in a 65-56 Horizon League semifinal victory at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
Cedrick Banks (pictured) scored 22 points on 8-of-16 shooting, including 4-of-8 from three-point range, to lead UIC, which moves on the Horizon championship game Tuesday night against top-seeded Wisconsin-Milwaukee at U.S. Cellular Arena in Milwaukee.
Armond Williams had a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds and Justin Bowen added a strong effort of nine points and seven rebounds for the Flames, which won their 11th straight and set a new mark for victories in a single-season.
“This was a team win, because everyone contributed and did a good job for us,” UIC coach Jimmy Collins said. “Even when things looked bad the guys stayed positive.”
The victory did not come easy for the Flames, getting pounded every time they went into the post, but the officials let the teams play. However, UIC stayed focused throughout.
“We just try to keep our heads,” said Martell Bailey, who had three points and six assists, but committed eight turnovers. “If we have something to say [about the officials], we say it amongst ourselves.”
The Flames trailed 6-4 after two early Bruce Horan three-pointers, but proceeded to go on a 17-7 spurt, which included an alley-oop dunk by Bowen and three-pointers by Jovan Stefanov and Marcetteaus McGee.
“Everybody that got into the game played with the type of energy you need to win in basketball,” Collins said. “The guys were totally focused.”
After Butler rallied for a 23-21 lead on an Avery Sheets’ runner, Banks converted a four-point play and hit a floater of the glass to put the Flames back up four.
Butler scrapped back for a 29-29 halftime tie as Mike Monserez nailed a three-pointer with 1.1 seconds left in the half.
Banks started the Flames off on the right foot in the second half by scoring six straight points to put UIC up 35-29.
“I try to get going when I come out in the first half,” Banks said. “but it seems like the second half, a burst of energy just comes to me.”
The Bulldogs fought back to tie it again at 44-44 on two free throws by Duane Lightfoot with 8:41 to play.
Bowen converted a three-point play on the next possession to put the Flames ahead for good at 47-44. Banks nailed a three-pointer from the top of the key with 5:29 left to put UIC up 54-46.
The Bulldogs were unable to pull closer than five points the rest of the way.
UIC finished the game, making 8-of-10 from the free-throw line, including 4-of-4 by Williams, normally a 61 percent foul shooter.
Horan led Butler (16-14) with 18 points, including 15 in the first half to help keep the Bulldogs close. Lightfoot contributed 15 points and seven rebounds.
UIC dominated the glass, out-rebounding the Bulldogs 36-21, including 11-4 on the offensive end. The advantage helped the Flames to 17 second-chance points to just five for Butler.
The Flames’ defense also shined as Williams stymied Mike Monserez, who shot 1-of-6 from the field and scored just four points. Banks contained Sheets, who had 44 points in the Bulldogs’ first two tournament games, but had just six points on 2-of-8 shooting Saturday.
“Defensively, UIC really applied a lot of pressure and made things difficult,” Butler coach Todd Lickliter said. “In the second half and with the way they made us work, we struggled with our legs.”
WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE 58, DETROIT 50: Ed McCants was on fire from three-point range as he scored 20 points, including six three-pointers to help the Panthers move on to Tuesday’s Horizon League championship game.
The game was tight throughout and Detroit (19-11) was within 50-46 on a Jimmy Twyman three-pointer that bounced high off the rim twice before sliding through the net.
However, Twyman fouled out moments later and the Panthers made 8-of-10 from the free-throw line in the final 1:32.
McCants nailed five threes in the first half and helped UWM to a 27-25 lead at the break, but it was his defense, including three spectacular blocked shots.
“Ed carried us offensively,” UWM coach Bruce Pearl. “Yes, he’s a tremendous three-point shooter, but he had defensive plays that won us this basketball game. Those were the difference makers.”
Dylan Page was just 5-of-14, but scored 18 points and Chris Hill added 10 points for the Panthers.
Ryvon Covile had 13 points and six rebounds and Elijah Warren added 11 points for Detroit, which led 34-30 early in the second half before UWM went on a 17-5 run.
GET ON THE BUS: The athletic department will have fan buses for the championship game. Buses will depart the Flames Athletic Center (901 W. Roosevelt Rd.) for Milwaukee at 3 p.m. on Tuesday. For more information and to reserve seats, call (312) 413-UIC1.
HORIZON LEAGUE TOURNAMENT RESULTS, SCHEDULE
TUESDAY, MARCH 2 OPENING ROUND
#4 Detroit 62, #9 Cleveland State 36
#8 Loyola 76, #5 Wright State 59
#6 Butler 88, #7 Youngstown State 57
FRIDAY, MARCH 5 2ND ROUND (at Butler)
#4 Detroit 60, #8 Loyola 55
#6 Butler 72, #3 Wisconsin-Green Bay 50
SATURDAY, MARCH 6 SEMIFINALS (at Butler)
#1 Wisconsin-Milwaukee 58, #4 Detroit 50
#2 UIC 65, #6 Butler 56
TUESDAY, MARCH 9 CHAMPIONSHIP (at UWM)
#2 UIC at #1 Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 8 p.m.
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INDIANAPOLIS—With the vocal Butler faithful cheering against them and the bruising Bulldogs shadowing them all the way, the UIC Flames simply survived Saturday night.