Flames “lucky” against Cleveland State

(1/17/03)

After his team’s 69-63 victory over Cleveland State Thursday night, UIC coach Jimmy Collins said he felt “lucky, blessed and fortunate.”

The Flames shot just 43 percent (12-of-28) from the free-throw line and committed 17 turnovers, but still improved to 9-4 overall and 3-1 in the Horizon League.

“It’s concentration and metal preparation,” Collins said. “I don’t know, we shoot enough [free throws] in practice.”

The Flames pulled out the victory thanks to a solid first half and clutch shots in the second half by Martell Bailey. Bailey scored six points in a late 9-4 run to break a 57-57 tie.

“I wasn’t playing as hard as I could all game,” Bailey said. “When the game got tight, I knew we had to pick it up. I knew if I picked it up, my teammates would follow.”

Bailey finished with 16 points, eight assists and three steals, but also had seven turnovers. Cedrick Banks led the Flames with 21 points and also grabbed six rebounds, while Armond Williams recorded his third double-double of the season with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

UIC opened the game strongly, jumping out to a 13-4 lead after Banks buried two three-pointers and dished a nifty pass to Armond Williams for a layup on a fast break. The Flames led 39-27 at halftime after shooting 60 percent in the opening half.

Cleveland State (7-10, 2-3) didn’t quit, going on a 15-3 run to pull within 48-46 with 9:26 left. When Modibo Niakate banked in a three-pointer, the Vikings had tied the game at 57-57 with 4:26 left.

“I thought we played a lot aggressively in the second half,” Cleveland State coach Rollie Massimino said. “We thought we had a chance when we tied it.”

Banks scored on a 10-foot jumper on the next possession to give UIC the lead for good.

Jonathan Burge scored a game-high 25 points to lead Cleveland State, while Niakate finished with 17 points and four three-pointers.

With the victory, the Flames broke a five-game losing streak to the Vikings, in a series that always seems to give UIC fits.

“Cleveland State is a very athletic team,” Collins said. “They play us like it’s a city-type [pride] thing. They approached us in a war-like manner. I just wish we could do the same thing.”

UP NEXT: The Flames take the road for a Saturday game at Detroit (7-7, 2-3). The Titans smothered Loyola 72-54 Thursday night, holding David Bailey to just three points on 1-of-14 shooting. Detroit’s big two is still causing havoc, as evidenced by Willie Green’s 27 points and Terrell Riggs’ 14 points and eight rebounds.

The 11 a.m. (Central time) game can be seen on ESPN2 or heard on ESPN Radio 1000.

ARMOND HAMMERS, AND SWATS, TOO: Armond Williams not only had his third double-double in four games, he also set a new-career high in blocked shots with three in Thursday’s game with Cleveland State. The Flames also had a season-high seven blocks as a team.