UIC is 3-0 for just the second time in 25 years, and the Flames are giving the MVC a reason to pay attention

UIC might not be receiving the national attention reserved for college basketball's traditional powers, but the Flames are quietly putting together one of the more interesting starts in the Missouri Valley Conference. Monday night's 82–72 victory over UNC Greensboro improved UIC to 3–0, marking just the second time in the past 25 years the program has opened a season with three consecutive victories. For a team hoping to establish itself as a serious conference contender, the early results are beginning to provide legitimate reasons for optimism.

The victory was particularly impressive because it required UIC to overcome significant adversity. UNC Greensboro made seven of its first eight shots and built a 24–13 advantage, threatening to hand the Flames their first defeat of the season. Instead of allowing the early deficit to become a larger problem, UIC responded with a sustained offensive surge and eventually took control during a dominant stretch that extended into the second half.

Head coach Rob Ehsan and his Flames have now defeated St. Francis (Illinois), Robert Morris and UNC Greensboro to begin the season, but Monday's result revealed something the previous victories couldn't fully establish. UIC demonstrated that it could respond when an opponent dictated the opening minutes and that its offense could produce meaningful contributions from several different players. Those qualities could become particularly important once Missouri Valley competition begins.

A 38–13 run changed everything for UIC

UNC Greensboro appeared comfortable during the opening minutes, converting shots at an impressive rate and establishing an 11-point advantage. UIC struggled to contain the Spartans initially, but the Flames gradually improved their defensive execution and began creating better offensive opportunities. They closed the first half on a 20–8 run, turning an early deficit into a 33–32 halftime lead.

The momentum continued after the break, when UIC opened the second half with an 18–5 surge. Combined, those stretches produced a remarkable 38–13 run that transformed the game and eventually helped the Flames establish a 65–45 advantage with fewer than nine minutes remaining. UNC Greensboro made another push and reduced the margin to nine points late, but UIC answered with consecutive baskets from Rashund Washington Jr. and Gabe Cupps to restore control.

The performance continued a developing pattern for the Flames. Against Robert Morris on Friday, UIC used a 27–4 run to turn a competitive game into a comfortable victory. Monday's 38–13 stretch demonstrated that the team is capable of generating the same kind of momentum against a different opponent, an encouraging development for a program attempting to build consistency.

Washington, Cupps and Gealer are giving the Flames balance

Washington led UIC with 17 points and six rebounds, continuing his productive opening week after recording 19 points and 12 rebounds against Robert Morris. His ability to contribute in several areas has made him an important part of the Flames' early success, particularly when the offense needs someone capable of finishing possessions. He scored 11 of his points after halftime Monday, helping UIC establish and protect its advantage.

Cupps delivered a career-high 14 points on five-of-seven shooting, while Benny Gealer added 14 points off the bench. Lucas Scroggins contributed 11 points, giving UIC four players in double figures and demonstrating that the offense isn't dependent on one dominant scorer. Seven Flames finished with at least seven points, providing the kind of balanced production that can make a team difficult to defend.

Mekhi Lowery supplied another important contribution despite scoring only seven points. The senior guard finished with nine rebounds, seven assists and three blocked shots, influencing the game without needing to take a large number of shots. His ability to facilitate offense, rebound and protect the basket illustrates the versatility that has helped UIC establish its early momentum.

The Flames are winning the possession battle

Perhaps the most encouraging statistic from Monday's victory was UIC's ability to protect the basketball. The Flames committed just five turnovers, their fewest since recording the same total in last season's Missouri Valley Tournament championship game against Northern Iowa. UIC also forced 16 UNC Greensboro turnovers and finished with an 18–8 advantage in points scored off turnovers.

Those numbers reveal an important part of the team's identity. UIC doesn't necessarily need extraordinary shooting performances to establish control because its defensive activity and offensive discipline create additional scoring opportunities. Against UNC Greensboro, the Flames shot 44.1% from the field and made only seven of 25 three-point attempts, yet still managed to score 82 points.

The Flames also outscored the Spartans 34–22 in the paint and received 29 points from their bench. Those contributions helped offset UNC Greensboro's 11 three-pointers and demonstrated that UIC can win through several different offensive approaches. Maintaining that balance will be important as opponents become more familiar with the Flames' personnel and tendencies.

A historic start now faces its biggest test

UIC's 3–0 opening is significant within the program's history. The Flames have started a season with three consecutive victories only 10 times in 80 years, including four occasions since moving to Division I. Their most recent 3–0 start came during the abbreviated 2020–21 season, making this an encouraging accomplishment for a program attempting to establish greater consistency.

However, the next game will provide a much more demanding examination. UIC travels to Saint Mary's on Friday, November 13, for a 10 p.m. ET contest against a program that has won four consecutive West Coast Conference championships. The Gaels represent a substantial step up in competition and will provide an opportunity to evaluate whether the Flames' early defensive success can translate against a nationally respected opponent.

The Missouri Valley Conference has a history of producing programs capable of competing well beyond their conference schedules, and UIC is attempting to establish itself within that conversation. Three victories don't guarantee that the Flames will become a championship contender, particularly with a long season still ahead. Nevertheless, the combination of balanced scoring, defensive activity and improved ball security provides an encouraging foundation.

UIC entered the season looking for evidence that its roster could develop into something meaningful. Through three games, the Flames have supplied plenty of it. Friday's visit to Saint Mary's will help determine whether this historic start represents an early

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