Men’s basketball ready for ‘challenging’ season

“We continue to raise every standard of our program,” says head basketball coach Howard Moore, pictured with Marc Brown. Photo: Steve Woltmann

The men’s basketball team’s nonconference schedule includes some exciting games: home contests against Northwestern and Southern Methodist, a matchup against Illinois at the United Center and road games at Colorado State, UC-Riverside and Loyola.

“We’re extremely pleased with the way our schedule turned out,” head coach Howard Moore said.  “It’s definitely a challenging schedule, but that’s what we want as we continue to raise every standard of our program.”

The season begins with an exhibition contest Nov. 2 against the University of Chicago.

UIC begins the regular season with a four-game homestand, starting with Drake Nov. 9.

The Flames cap off the November home schedule with a Nov. 20 contest at the UIC Pavilion.

“Our fan base will be highly entertained by the quality of opponents playing in the UIC Pavilion this season,” Moore said.  “Establishing a home court advantage is extremely important to us.”

UIC participates in the bd Global Challenge Nov. 25-27 in Naples, Fla.  The tournament field consists of St. Bonaventure, Southern Illinois, UNC-Greensboro, San Diego, Stetson, Louisiana Tech and Wagner.

The Flames conclude their nonconference season with a battle against Illinois at the United Center Dec. 28.  These squads last met Dec. 18, 2010, when the Flames upset Illinois, 57-54.  The Fighting Illini garnered a No. 7 seed in last year’s NCAA Tournament, ousting Colorado in the second round.

2013-14 UIC Non-Conference Schedule
Nov. 2 vs. U of Chicago, 3 p.m. (EXH)
Nov. 9 vs. Drake, 7 p.m.
Nov. 13 vs. Roosevelt, 7 p.m.
Nov. 16 vs. Eastern Illinois, 3 p.m.
Nov. 20 vs. Northwestern, 7 p.m.
Nov. 25 at bd Global Challenge (Naples, Fla.)
Nov. 26 at bd Global Challenge (Naples, Fla.)
Nov. 27 at bd Global Challenge (Naples, Fla.)
Dec. 4 vs. SMU, 7 p.m.
Dec. 7 at Loyola, 3 p.m.
Dec. 14 at SEMO, TBA
Dec. 17 vs. Purdue-Calumet, 7 p.m.
Dec. 20 at UC-Riverside, 5 p.m.
Dec. 23 at Colorado State, TBA
Dec. 28 vs. Illinois, 1 p.m. (United Center)