Box Score CHICAGO, Ill. – The Cardinals broke a five-game losing streak on the road, taking down the University of Illinois Chicago, 67-66 Thursday afternoon, in their final game before Christmas.
 
In his first game of the season Alex Anderson had 17 points, eight rebound, and six assists. Josiah Hammons led the team in scoring with 23 points, and once again was nearly perfect at the line, knocking down six of seven.
 
The Cardinals struggled out of the gate, not scoring their first field goal until 12 minutes in the game. A turnaround bucket from Josh Morgan spurred on a 13-0 run for the Cardinals giving them their first lead of the game 20-13. Alex Anderson took over down the stretch scoring 10 of his 12 first half points in the last nine minutes of the half. The Cardinals defense also stood strong not allowing a field goal in the final two minutes of the half and UIW took a 36-32 lead into the break.
 
The Cards came out the locker room on fire, going a perfect five-for-five from three, and maintaining their slim lead over the Flames. Both teams battled back and forth with UIC gaining a slight edge near the end of the game.
 
With 3:15 remaining, the Cards leading scorer, Sky Wicks scored his first points of the contest, making it a one-score game. Josiah Hammons followed that up with his third 3-pointer of the half to give UIW the lead. Despite battling back in the game, the Cardinals found themselves down by one with less than 15 seconds left. Alex Anderson made a move to the basket scoring with 2.1 seconds on the clock. UIW forced a turnover on the Flames final possession, taking the game by a final score of 67-66.
 
FOLLOW ALONG 
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook.
Follow the team on Twitter @UIWMBB and on Instagram @UIWMensBasketball.