Trailing UIC 34-27 at the half, Indiana appeared to be in trouble.
But senior guard Shay Ciezki erupted for 25 second half points and the Hoosiers clamped down on the defensive end to pull away for a 72-56 win at SImon Skjodt Assembly Hall Friday evening.
UIC’s defensive effort set the tone in the first half. But it was Indiana’s defense that led the way after the break. IU outscored the Flames 45-22 in the second half. UIC shot just 24% and had six turnovers in the final 20 minutes.
With 35 points on the night, Ciezki finished with the 11th-most points in a game in IU program history. Her seven threes (on 10 attempts) are tied for the fourth-most makes from long range in program history.
UIC’s duo of Julia Coleman and Jes Carrothers combined for 26 first half points on 13 of 19 shots. But a more determined IU squad held that duo to just 3 of 16 shooting in the second half.
Zania Socka-Nguemen was a load inside for IU. She posted a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds.
Indiana moves to 2-0 with the win and will next face Marshall on Tuesday evening in Bloomington.
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