BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (Interstat) — Shay Ciezki scored a game-high 35 points to lead the Indiana Hoosiers to a 72-56 victory over the Illinois-Chicago Flames in a non-conference women’s basketball game Friday night at a sold-out Assembly Hall.

The Hoosiers improved to 2-0 on the young season, while the Flames dropped to 0-2.

Indiana, heavily favored entering the contest, found itself in a battle through the first half. Illinois-Chicago used an efficient offensive start to build a lead, closing the first quarter up 16-17. The Flames extended their advantage in the second period, outscoring the Hoosiers 18-10 to take a 34-27 lead into halftime.

The game turned decisively in the third quarter. Indiana’s defense clamped down, holding the Flames to just nine points in the period. Meanwhile, the Hoosiers’ offense found its rhythm, erupting for 19 points to take a 46-43 lead heading into the final frame.

Indiana put the game away with a dominant fourth-quarter performance, outscoring Illinois-Chicago 26-13. Ciezki, a 5-foot-7 guard from Buffalo, New York, was instrumental in the second-half surge, consistently creating her own shot and finishing through contact. She played 36 minutes in the contest.

Zania Socka provided crucial interior support for the Hoosiers, adding 19 points. The backcourt duo of Nevaeh Caffey and Lenée Beaumont each dished out five assists, facilitating the Indiana offense.

Illinois-Chicago was led by Julia Coleman, who scored 20 points, and Jessica Carrothers, who added 17 points and three assists. The Flames’ offense, however, went cold after the break, unable to sustain the scoring pace they set in the first half.

Indiana capitalized on Flames mistakes, scoring 15 points off turnovers compared to UIC’s eight. The Hoosiers also held a slight edge in points in the paint, 36-30.

The announced attendance was 7,413.

Indiana’s next game is at home against Marshall on Tuesday. Illinois-Chicago continues its road stretch at Ball State on Nov. 24.