Barlow leads Flames at Gulf Coast Showcase

Kelsey Barlow scored a career-high 38 points Nov. 27. Photo: Steve Woltmann

Senior Kelsey Barlow poured in a career-high 38 points — tied for the third-highest total in program history — in UIC’s (3-4) 94-76 victory against Wagner (4-4) Nov. 27 to clinch third at the Gulf Coast Showcase.

The Flames return to action at 7 p.m. tonight, hosting Southern Methodist University at the UIC Pavilion.

At the Showcase, Barlow was 8-of-11 from the field, 5-of-8 from behind the arc and 17-of-19 from the foul line, while adding eight rebounds and five assists.

“Kelsey had the hot hand,” head coach Howard Moore said.  “He benefitted from many trips to the free throw line, but Kelsey is able to score in bunches.

“I think this trip reenergized our guys and our season.”

UIC started out fast by jumping to a 12-4 lead in the first three minutes of the contest.  The Flames led, 46-37, at the half and midway through the second period exploded for an 18-2 run, putting the game out of reach.

Barlow’s 17 free throws ties for the second-highest mark in program history and UIC’s team total of 34 foul shots is the most in more than a decade.

Freshman Pat Birt tied a career high with 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting, and Jake Wiegand matched a career best with 11 points.  Sophomore Gabe Snider shot 4-of-6 for eight points as Junior Marc Brown added seven.

UIC shot the ball well, hitting 27-of-53 (50.9 percent) from the floor, and held the Seahawks to 25-of-62 (40.3 percent) overall.

For his efforts, Barlow was named to the All-Tournament Team along with Johnny Dee (University of San Diego), Matthew Wright (St. Bonaventure), Chris Anderson (Louisiana Tech) and MVP Raheem Appleby (Louisiana Tech).

The Mustangs are 5-1 and coached by Hall-of-Famer Larry Brown.