UIC vs Chicago State in postseason tourney

Gary Talton was among the players instrumental in the Flames’ turnaround this season. Photo: Steve Woltmann

The Flames will host crosstown rival Chicago State for the opening round of the postseason CollegeInsider.com Tournament Wednesday in the UIC Pavilion.

Game time is 7 p.m. Tickets start at $10, available by calling 312-413-UIC1.

UIC (17-15) garnered an at-large berth in the CIT, giving the Flames their first postseason appearance since 2004.

Chicago State (10-21) claimed the Great West Conference automatic berth after capturing the tournament title with a 75-60 victory over Houston Baptist Saturday.

Wednesday’s game marks the first time the Cougars have advanced to the postseason as a Division I member.

UIC head coach Howard Moore orchestrated a turnaround this season: an increase of nine wins over the 2011-12 campaign with a winning percentage increase of 26.46.

During the regular season, UIC posted notable wins over 2012 postseason foes Mercer, Iona, Northwestern, Colorado State, Cleveland State and Milwaukee.

The Flames were picked as No. 5 seed in the Horizon League Tournament, their best regular season finish since 2008.

The UIC-Chicago State rivalry dates back to 1947 season, but Wednesday’s game is the first time the two teams have gone head-to-head since 2005. The Cougars lead the all-time series, 34-28.

The CIT’s complete bracket will be revealed after the NCAA Tournament, National Invitation Tournament  and College Basketball Invitational selections are made Sunday night.