Flames escape Penguins’ igloo with narrow win

(1/25/03)

Cedrick Banks’ three-pointer with 33 seconds left and a late UIC defensive stand lifted the Flames past Youngstown State 78-76 at Youngstown’s Beeghly Center Saturday afternoon.

Banks (pictured) had a game-high 29 points and five three-pointers to lead the Flames (12-4, 6-1), who escaped with their fifth straight Horizon League victory.

The Penguins (6-11, 2-5) had a chance to tie or win on their final possession, but Marlon Williamson missed a three-pointer with eight seconds to play. After a scramble and two inbound plays, YSU’s Doug Underwood fumbled away a pass at the buzzer.

Youngstown State built a 65-58 lead midway through the second half and had the Flames on the ropes. UIC responded with an 8-1 run to tie the game with 7:51 left.

TeJay Anderson’s tip-in with 1:42 left gave the Penguins a 76-75 lead.

Banks finished the game shooting 12-of-20 from the field and 5-of-11 from three-point range. Armond Williams had another solid game with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Jonathan Schneiderman added 14 points and four three-pointers off the bench.

Martell Bailey had just eight points, but recorded 11 assists for the second consecutive game.

Anderson had monster game for Youngstown State, totaling 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Underwood had a team-high 26 points and shot 6-of-7 from three-point land. Adam Baumann contributed 12 points and seven rebounds for the Penguins.

With the victory, UIC stays in a first-place tie with Butler, which defeated Wisconsin-Green Bay 68-53. The Flames and Bulldogs are a half-game ahead of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, which downed Wright State 74-59.

UP NEXT: The Flames return home Monday to host Detroit. UIC defeated the Titans 77-74 at Calihan Hall last week, but Detroit has won their last two games—over Youngstown State and Cleveland State on the road.

The game tips off at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN Radio 1000. It is also half-price night at the Pavilion. For tickets, call (312) 413-UIC1.