Flames’ winning record a souvenir of Canada road trip

Junior Gabe Snider poured in a game-high 28 points to lead the Flames against the University of Ottawa. Photo: Richard A. Whittaker

The men’s basketball team returns to UIC with a 3-2 record after ending its Canadian road trip with a win Monday at Brock University.

The Flames began the six-day exhibition trip Aug. 12 with a competition against the University of Ottawa, the defending national runner-up. The Flames led for most of the contest but the Gee-Gees pulled ahead, 79-76, after hitting six three-pointers in the fourth quarter. Junior Gabe Snider poured in a game-high 28 points on 8-of-12 three-point shooting to lead the Flames.

“Ottawa is a tremendously talented team and its program is highly respected,” said head coach Howard Moore. “We played with great energy and effort. This is a great trip for our guys as we continue to bond and grow as teammates.”

The Flames faced top-level competition Thursday, taking on Carleton University — national champions in nine of the past 10 seasons. UIC had a five-point lead early in the third quarter, but the Ravens made several runs in the second half to cement their exhibition victory, 64-49.

“It was a hard-fought college basketball game,” Moore said. “Carleton forced us into some difficult situations and we didn’t have the hot hand. I am proud of the way our guys kept fighting.

“This trip has given us coaches a plethora of teaching moments and areas of improvement that we can take back to Chicago.”

The Flames held Toronto to 29 percent shooting in an 87-50 exhibition win Saturday. Five UIC players recorded double-digits as Snider led the way with 22 points, hitting 8-of-12 from the field.

“We played with great intensity on the defensive end and forced Toronto into many difficult situations,” Moore said. “It was a good confidence builder for our guys.”

UIC picked up its second consecutive win Sunday against York University, 81-57. The Flames’ defense shined as they limited York to 32.7 percent shooting. Senior Marc Brown posted a game-high 20 points as he shot 7-of-10 from the floor.

“Our guys really clamped down on defense and took control of the game,” Moore said. ” This team has already taken tremendous strides forward and our staff is very excited about the potential with this group.”

Junior Jake Wiegand was a force in the post in Monday’s 71-57 win at Brock, recording a double-double with 25 points and 15 rebounds. Wiegand shot 8-of-12 from the field for the game, including five dunks, and sank all nine of his free throw attempts.

Wiegand made his presence known in the fourth quarter as he single-handedly outscored Brock, 15-9. The Flames faced a six-point deficit heading into the final period, but took back the lead for good after a 12-3 run.

“Jake was a difference maker for us tonight,” Moore said. “He carried us in the fourth quarter when we needed someone to step up.”

The men’s baseball team begins its regular season with an exhibition game versus Beloit Nov. 6 at the UIC Pavilion.

The Flames return to UIC with a 3-2 winning record in its Canadian exhibition series. “This trip has given us coaches a plethora of teaching moments and areas of improvement that we can take back to Chicago,” says head coach Howard Moore.