Basketball team showcases talent at annual scrimmage

Ahman Fells tries to get past defender Joey Miller. Photo: Joshua Clark/UIC Photo Services

The men’s basketball team thrilled at the annual Red vs. Blue scrimmage Saturday at the Flames Athletic Center.

The Blue team claimed victory, 64-47, after trailing by one point at halftime.

Senior Daniel Barnes won the three-point competition and freshman Gabe Snider took home the slam dunk crown at the end of the event.

“We still have a few things to work on, but overall I’m very pleased with the effort from our guys,” head coach Howard Moore said.

The scrimmage was structured like a regular college basketball game with two 20-minute halves.

The Red team jumped out to an early lead and went into the break ahead, 34-33, as both squads displayed impressive long-range shooting. But the Blue team took hold of the contest in the first few minutes of the second half and held strong through the finish.

Marc Brown takes a shot during the scrimmage.
Photo: Joshua Clark/UIC Photo Services

Senior transfer Kelsey Barlow provided some high-flying excitement, capping off the game with a two-handed slam in final seconds.

Barnes totaled 17 points to capture the three-point contest title.

Josh Crittle and freshman Ngijol Songolo sccored 15 points each and senior Anthony Kelley had 10.

Snider won the dunk contest with his final attempt, throwing the ball off the wall, behind the hoop and catching it off a bounce for a one-handed flush. Barlow, sophomore Ahman Fells and freshman Jake Wiegand also competed in the dunk contest.

The Flames hit the court for an exhibition match at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 against UW-Platteville at the UIC Pavilion.

UIC start the regular season with a 1 p.m. match Nov. 11 against UC-Riverside at the Pavilion.