UIC Routs Saint Francis 96-47 in Opener
Mekhi Lowery led the Flames with 20 points as UIC opened its season with a lopsided home victory over Saint Francis of Illinois.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Basketball
UIC defeated Saint Francis of Illinois 96-47 in its season opener. The Flames took control early and never looked back, leading 51-31 at halftime before a 19-2 second-half run.
Why it matters
The commanding win gives UIC an early statement in its new season and sets a strong tone heading into its next home game. For Chicago basketball fans, the result offers a first look at a team building depth across the roster.
Mekhi Lowery scored 20 points with seven rebounds and four steals, while Rashund Washington Jr. added 15 points and Jayce Nathaniel posted 13 points and 10 rebounds for UIC. Bryce Tillery and Nick Niego led Saint Francis with 12 points each, but the team could not keep pace with UIC's second-half surge.
The players
Mekhi Lowery
Mekhi Lowery is a UIC guard who led the Flames in scoring with 20 points in the season opener.
Saint Francis of Illinois
Saint Francis of Illinois is an NCAA Division I men's basketball program that lost its season opener to UIC.
The details
UIC took the lead for good with 19:33 left in the first half and extended its margin to 96-44 during the second half on a 19-2 scoring run. Washington Jr. shot 3 of 5 from the field and 9 of 12 from the free-throw line, while Tavariyuan Williams added nine points and two blocks for Saint Francis.
Timeline
Monday, November 2, 2026: UIC defeats Saint Francis of Illinois 96-47 in its season opener.
Friday: UIC hosts Robert Morris at home in its next game.
Season Trajectory
The lopsided win gives UIC an early marker in a season where its nonconference results will help shape its position within the Horizon League race. A convincing opening performance against a Division I opponent establishes the baseline the Flames will need to build on through the rest of the year.
The result gives UIC a 1-0 start that matters for early conference-style positioning, and fans looking to track the team's progress can watch the Friday home game against Robert Morris. Those following the team on fantasy rosters may note Lowery's combined scoring, rebounding and steals as an early indicator of his all-around role.
The takeaway
UIC's balanced scoring and second-half surge suggest a roster with multiple options, a useful early signal for a team looking to compete. Watching how that depth holds up against stronger opponents will be the key test in the weeks ahead.
What happens next
UIC hosts Robert Morris at home on Friday in its next game.
Further reading
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