Kreps’ shot gives Illinois-Chicago a come-from-behind win, 82-80 over Evansville

Illinois-Chicago beats Evansville 82-80

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Robo Kreps scored 28 points, including the game-winner with 4.4 seconds to play, and Illinois-Chicago defeated Evansville 82-80 Saturday night.

Kreps’ basket gave the Flames (7-20) their only second-half lead in the BracketBusters game. They rallied from a 14-point deficit

Spencer Stewart had 20 points and a game-high seven rebounds for Illinois-Chicago, and Jeremy Buttell added 12 points.

Four players were in double figures for the Aces (7-20). Clint Hopf had a career-high 18 points. James Haarsma scored 17, Colt Ryan 16 and Denver Holmes had 12.

Evansville led 40-36 at halftime and after Stewart made a 3-pointer to start the half for UIC, the Aces ran off 15 of the next 17 points for a 55-41 lead with 15:48 to play. The Flames got back in it with a 12-2 run and finally pulled even at 80 in the final two minutes before Kreps’ winning basket.