Bulldogs Fall Short Against UIC, 70-64

Jan. 11, 2007

Box Score

Indianapolis, Ind. - For the third-straight game, the Bulldogs sported four players in double-figures, led by Lade Akande's second double-double of the year, but 27.3 percent shooing from the field in the first half proved costly as Butler fell short of UIC, 70-64, despite a valiant second-half charge on Thursday (Jan. 11) at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

The Bulldogs outscored the Flames after the break, 37-34, shooting 50 percent (13-26) from the floor with five three-pointers, but 9-of-33 shooting in the opening stanza proved to be too much to overcome.

UIC jumped ahead early, opening with nine unanswered points before Susan Lester ended the Butler drought with a lay-up at the 16:27 mark. The Bulldogs steadily trudged back, using a 7-0 run to cut the deficit to one at 14-13 with 12 minutes left in the half.

A quick five points by the Flames built the difference back to six, but the Bulldogs kept things close and trailed by only three with just over four minutes remaining. UIC closed the period on a tear, however, building its advantage to nine at 36-27 heading into the locker room.

The Bulldogs came out firing early in the second half, shooting 72.7 percent (8-of-11) from the field in the first 10 minutes, but the Flames counted with a hot-streak of their own and led 65-52 with just 4:11 remaining in regulation.

Butler fought back with a 9-3 run in the last four minutes, keyed on triples by Ellen Hamilton and Tara Miller, but the rally would fall short in the final seconds.

Akande finished with her second double-double of the year, leading the Bulldogs with 14 points and 10 rebounds, including nine first-half boards. Miller (13), Jackie Closser (11) and Hamilton (10) each finished the game double-figures.

LaShonda Grant couldn't miss for the Flames, finishing with 31 points on 10-of-15 shooting. The Flames also held a dominant edge in the paint, outscoring Butler 40-22.

The Bulldogs return to Hinkle Fieldhouse on Saturday (Jan. 13) when they host Loyola beginning at 6:00 p.m.