Oakland pulls away late, beats UIC 78-68

CHICAGO -- Kendrick Nunn had 18 of his 32 points in the first half and grabbed nine rebounds on Monday night to help Oakland beat Illinois-Chicago 78-68.

The Golden Grizzlies (12-8, 4-3 Horizon) pulled away for good with an 8-0 run that made it 73-65 on Martez Walker's 3-point play with 1:58 left. Tarkus Ferguson cut the deficit to five with a 3-point play before Oakland made 5 of 6 free throws in the final minute.

Oakland trailed only once in the second half when UIC (8-11, 3-3) had a 6-0 run to make it 54-53 with 9:42 left. Oakland responded with a 7-0 run and extended the lead to 65-58, but the Flames had a 7-0 run to tie it at 65 all.

Walker added 18 points, Jalen Hayes scored 15 and Nick Daniels 11 for Oakland.

Dikembe Dixson and Tai Odiase scored 13 each and Marcus Ottey added 12 for UIC.