Dec. 15, 2002

TIPOFF: Monday Dec. 16, 2002, 6 p.m. UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Ill.

SAMFORD: Samford is 4-3 on the season after falling in double-overtime Saturday night at Valparaiso. Three Samford starters foulded out in the overtime periods against Valpo. Phillip Ramelli despite fouling out had a season-high 20 points. Cornell Felton sent the game into overtime as he made a steal and converted a lay up to tie the game at the end of regulation. He fouled out with a season-high 14 points and seven assists. J. Robert Merritt and Tyson Dorsey were also in double figures with 17 and 15 respectively. The Bulldogs saw their Nation leading free throw percentage take a hit as the Bulldogs went 12-18 from the stripe against Valpo. The Bulldogs are now shooting 83 percent from the line this season.

ILLINOIS-CHICAGO: The Flames are coming off a huge 73-71 victory over previously undefeated Southern Illinois. Cedrick Banks returned to the Flames line up for the first time this season and scored a team-high 22 points on 8-24 shooting from the floor. Johnathan Schneiderman and Armond Williams had 14 and 11 points respectively against SIU. All five of the Flames starters are averaging in double figures on the season. The Flames Achilles heel has been free throw shooting this season. UIC is only shooting 54 percent from the line this season. They shoot 50 percent from the field and 53 percent from three point range.

INSIDE STUFF: UIC is the defending Horizon League Tournament champions. The Bulldogs are 1-1 all-time against UIC. The two teams played a home and home series during in 1981 and 1982 seasons. The first meeting was on Nov. 28, 1981 in Birmingham. Samford won a double overtime game 106-98. The next year in Chicago, UIC took an 85-82 victory on Nov. 27, 1982.

AIR: The game can be heard on WVSU 91.1-FM and the internet at www.samfordsports.com.

NEXT: Samford will travel to Chattanooga on Dec. 21 for a rematch with the Mocs. Chattanooga defeated Samford 68-66 in the opening game for both teams.