UIC women’s basketball opens with up-tempo win over Howard

The UIC women’s basketball team (1-0) used a balanced attack to lead from start to finish in the season-opening 75-48 victory Friday against Howard at the UIC Pavilion.

The Flames (1-0) return to action Nov. 16 with a road contest at Chicago State.

In the Flames’ opener, Melita Emanuel-Carr scored 11 points against Howard. Photo: Steve Woltmann

In the attack against Howard (0-1), Kendyl Nunn led the charge off the bench, scoring a career-high 20 points on nine of 11 shots. Melita Emanuel-Carr chipped in 11 points and freshman Brittany Byrd, playing in her first collegiate game, connected on two three-pointers.

“We are going to get out and pressure people,” said head coach Regina Miller, who improved her record in season openers to 3-2 at UIC. “We want to play an up tempo game.”

UIC jumped out to a 15-6 lead after the first period, increasing it to 36-21 at the half. The Flames led by as many as 36 points, shooting 47 percent (31-66) from the field, including 44 points in the paint. The Flames turned up the intensity on the defensive end, converting 28 miscues by Howard into 30 points.

“A lot of our offense is determined by our defense,” Miller said.

Ruvanna Campbell (19 points, 14 rebounds) posted her 49th career double-double, including her first career three-pointer.

“Ruvanna is an all-around player who can play all five positions for us,” Miller said. “She is a great rebounder who can push the ball in transition.”