Women’s basketball eyes program record

Strong play by Katie Hannemann has allowed UIC to dominate opponents. Photo: Steve Woltmann

The fourth-place women’s basketball team (19-7, 8-5 Horizon Leagues) attempts to break the program record in wins Thursday when they play at No. 1 Youngstown State (13-12, 9-3 Horizon League).

Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. at the Beeghly Center.

The 2006-07 squad was 19-13 and made the program’s lone trip to the postseason. UIC’s 19-7 overall record is the team’s best mark through 26 games in program history.

UIC tied the program record for single-season wins Feb. 17 with a 79-54 home victory over Milwaukee (7-17, 3-8 Horizon League). The Flames went on a 30-0 run in the first half to pull away from the Panthers.

Senior Katie Hannemann scored a game-high 26 points to lead the Flames.

UIC forced a season-high 26 turnovers and scored 26 points off the Panthers’ miscues. The Flames outrebounded the Panthers, 48-40.

Through 26 games, UIC has collected 10 more wins than the entire 2012-13 campaign (9-21). Based on overall wins, UIC ranks second for the largest turnaround in the nation. St. Bonaventure (21-8) and Texas A&M–Corpus Christi (15-11) have improved by 11 wins from last season.

The strong play of Hannemann and Ruvanna Campbell has allowed UIC to dominate opponents inside the paint. UIC ranks first in the Horizon League in rebounding margin (+7.5) and offensive rebounds (17 per game).

Campbell is one of only six players nationally averaging at least 16 points, 11 rebounds and shooting more than 50 percent from the field.

The Flames head to Cleveland State for a 1 p.m. match  Saturday. The regular season ends March 6 when the Flames host Detroit at 7 p.m. at the Pavilion.