Bush could make season debut

SENIOR WILL BE GAME-TIME DECISION

November 27, 2007

Whoosh! photo The Flames have sorely missed forward Robert Bush, who will be a game-time decision as he nears recovery from his left knee injury.

With just over a week to recharge after the trip to the Paradise Jam, UIC could be on the verge of receiving some good news for its game at Central Michigan.

Flames senior forward Robert Bush, who has been nursing a left knee injury, has practiced with the team this week and is a “game-time decision,” according to UIC sports information director John Jaramillo.

Bush would give the Flames a senior presence and an extra added boost on the offensive end as UIC struggled with consistency in the Virgin Islands. Before the season, coach Jimmy Collins said that Bush may be the team’s best player.

Last season, Bush thrived down the stretch as the Flames got hot at the end of February. He started in UIC’s final nine games, averaging 9.8 points, while shooting 42 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range. UIC went 5-4 in those nine contests en route a 14-18 overall record.

UIC could also have freshman forward Tori Boyd back. Boyd missed the Flames’ game with Wichita State at the Paradise Jam on Nov. 19 after suffering a concussion. Boyd took an accidental elbow from Scott VanderMeer during practice the day before the game with the Shockers.

Either player or both returning could be a boon for the Flames, who have lost three straight games after starting 2-0 with wins over Bradley and Illinois-Springfield.

Central Michigan, who will host UIC in its home opener, is 0-4 after falling at Minnesota 77-59 last Saturday. The Chippewas have also lost to Missouri, Central Missouri and Niagara.

Senior guard Giordan Watson leads CMU, averaging 16.8 points per game. The Chippewas have some Chicago flavor with 6-foot-3, 260-pound swingman Nate Minnoy (from Hales Franciscan H.S./Purdue) and 6-foot-7 forward Marcus Van (Curie H.S./Wabash Valley C.C.). Minnoy is averaging 9.8 points and 6.0 rebounds per contest.

UIC whipped CMU 84-62 last season in the BracketBuster at the UIC Pavilion. Bush helped to lead the Flames back from an early 11-point deficit and Othyus Jeffers scored all 24 of his points in the second half as UIC blew the game open.

Wednesday’s game against Central Michigan will be available on the Internet. Free audio streaming is available www.uicflames.com with Flames’ play-by-play man Adam Levinson on the call. Game time is 6 p.m. with pre-game starting at 5:45 p.m.