Valparaiso, IN (Sports Network) - Sultan Muhammad knocked down the game-
winning 3-pointer from the right wing with 1.3 seconds remaining as the Green
Bay Phoenix captured a thrilling 64-63 win over the Illinois-Chicago Flames
in second-round action of the Horizon League Tournament.
Muhammad finished with 10 points, shooting 2-of-6 beyond the arc for the
fourth-seeded Phoenix (18-14) in the triumph. Alec Brown scored a team-best 17
points and pulled down six rebounds for the squad, followed by Keifer Sykes
with 12 points and five assists.
The fifth-seeded Flames (17-15) were led by Hayden Humes who tallied a game-
high 23 points on 10-of-12 shooting from the field. Josh Crittle and Gary
Talton accounted for 12 points apiece, the latter handing out six assists as
well.
UIC led by as many as three points in the first half, but shooting just 1-of-5
behind the 3-point line in the period left the squad with a 34-29 deficit at
the break.
Tied at 61-61 with time running down, Talton was fouled on a fade-away jumper
with the shot clock ready to expire. He stepped to the free-throw line and
connected on a pair with seven seconds remaining to give UIC a 63-61 edge.
Green Bay then passed the ball in and even though the coaching staff was
requesting a time-out once the ball cleared half court, Muhammad got off a
clear shot in order to give the Phoenix the win.
In a game that featured eight ties and just as many lead changes, the Flames
recorded just four offensive rebounds.
With the victory Green Bay now takes on host and top-seeded Valparaiso in the
semifinals on Saturday night for the right to play for the championship on
Tuesday.
GAME NOTES:
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