Sulskis scores 17 points to help Youngstown State defeat Illinois-Chicago 76-67

Youngstown State defeats Illinois-Chicago 76-67

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Vytas Sulskis scored 17 points and Youngstown State defeated Illinois-Chicago 76-67 on Thursday night.

DeAndre Mays added 15 points and Sirlester Martin chipped in 12 for the Penguins (6-8, 1-4 Horizon League).

Youngstown State led 56-55 with 9:01 remaining and outscored the Flames 21-12 the rest of the way to snap a two-game losing streak.

After the Penguins shot 56 percent (14 of 25) to lead 39-35 at halftime, Illinois-Chicago (5-10, 1-4) opened the second half on a 7-2 run. The Flames took their first lead of the game, 42-41, on K.C. Robins’ layup with 17:48 to play.

The game remained close until Youngstown State went on a 7-2 run and led 56-51 on a basket by Sulskis with 10:58 left.

Jeremy Buttell scored 31 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the Flames.

Robo Kreps, who was averaging 18 points in the Flames’ last eight games, finished with 13.