Okani scores 18, UIC takes down Illinois State 55-51

CHICAGO -- - Toby Okani's 18 points helped UIC defeat Illinois State 55-51 on Wednesday night.

Okani also had seven rebounds and seven blocks for the Flames (9-5, 1-2 Missouri Valley Conference). Jace Carter scored nine points and added seven rebounds. Filip shot 2 for 6 (1 for 5 from 3-point range) and 4 of 4 from the free throw line to finish with nine points.

Darius Burford finished with 10 points for the Redbirds (6-8, 1-2). Malachi Poindexter added nine points for Illinois State. Seneca Knight also had eight points.

Okani scored seven points in the first half for UIC, who led 33-17 at halftime. UIC was outscored by 12 points in the second half but hung on for the victory. Okani led the way with 11 second-half points.

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Both teams play on Saturday. UIC visits Bradley while Illinois State hosts Northern Iowa.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.