SPOT-LITER’S GAME OF THE WEEK

Friday Night – November 14th, 2014
DePaul 72 – 71

Great opening night for a city rumble.  Two programs in the midst of validating who they are to their respective fan base.  The game was played on DePaul’s campus at McGrath-Phillips Arena, a cozy intimate setting which brought back memories of the glory days when the North-Side was the happening stomping grounds for not only college basketball, but for the nightlife amenities.  DePaul basketball was a giant in the city as well as the national circuit, WGN cable gave them such a large audience nationally, Loyola-Chicago was a prominent figure in hoops and little North Park College also located on the North-Side – Foster/Kedzie was winning national division three titles with NBA draftee’s Michael Harper, Michael Smith and Mozelle Greer.  “It was hoops heaven on the north-side for almost 10 years.”  Well anyways, UIC down by as much as 23 in the first half behind some frenzy play and frigid shooting were able to settle down and execute their game plan in the 2nd half, while DePaul seemed to have forgotten to hit the snooze button at half-time, coming out sluggish.  It was a tale of 2 halves, but DePaul’s best player Billy Garrett Jr. drained a three pointer with six seconds left, dashing away UIC’s hopes for an upset.  The Demon’s managed to control the first half cruising to a 46-30 half-time advantage.  The UIC Flames came out in the 2nd half with a sense of urgency, opening with a 13-4 surge.  Flame’s promising 6-9 freshman Tai Odaise (Homewood-Flossmoor) tied the game at 69 with 1:12 left.  Little known sophomore Markese McGuire gave UIC their only lead with 29 seconds left 71-69, before Garrett’s big shot.  UIC had one last shot to win it, but junior guard D’Juan Miller’s jumper was off-the-mark, the flames senior Marc Brown led all scorers with 19 points while junior forward Jake Wiegand spirited the Flames second half comeback finished with 15 points.  Thomas Hamilton IV led the Demons with 17 points, eight rebounds – Billy Garrett tallied 12 markers.  This was a typical opening night for both programs, however we envision a promising season from both clubs.