(Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by runs and key individual performances, the Illinois-Chicago Flames women’s basketball team secured a 64-54 victory over the Maine Black Bears on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, at the Hynes Center in New Rochelle, New York.

The nonconference matchup, played before an announced crowd of 790, saw the Flames improve their season record to 4-3, while the Black Bears fell to 1-5.

Illinois-Chicago seized control of the game from the opening tip, establishing a commanding early lead that Maine spent the rest of the contest trying to overcome. The Flames dominated the first quarter, outscoring the Black Bears 16-8. They extended their advantage by halftime, taking a 34-22 lead into the locker room after adding 18 points in the second period.

Maine mounted its most significant challenge after the break. The Black Bears emerged from halftime with renewed energy, winning the third quarter 19-11 behind a more aggressive offensive approach. This surge cut the Flames’ lead to just four points heading into the final period.

However, Illinois-Chicago weathered the storm and responded in the fourth quarter. The Flames tightened their defense and executed more efficiently on offense, outscoring Maine 19-13 over the final 10 minutes to close out the victory.

The game was ultimately decided by the Flames’ ability to capitalize on their opportunities in the paint and a standout performance from Julia Coleman. Illinois-Chicago outscored Maine 36-32 in the paint and generated 19 points off turnovers, narrowly edging the Black Bears, who scored 17 points off miscues.

Coleman, a 6-foot sophomore from St. Louis, Missouri, was the driving force for the Flames. In 35 minutes of action, she poured in a game-high 24 points, showcasing a versatile inside game. She also contributed defensively with three blocked shots and two assists, anchoring her team on both ends of the floor.

Coleman received crucial support from her backcourt partner, Chantrel Clayton. The 5-6 guard, also from St. Louis, added 12 points and dished out three assists in her 35 minutes. Inside, 6-4 freshman Magdalena Winter of Berlin, Germany, provided a double-double with 10 points and a commanding presence on the boards. Sara Zabrecky, a 5-9 guard from Munster, Indiana, chipped in eight points in 35 minutes.

For Maine, the backcourt duo of Asta Blauenfeldt and Adrianna Smith shouldered much of the offensive load. Blauenfeldt, a 5-6 guard from Kongens Lyngby, Denmark, played the entire 40 minutes and led the Black Bears with 14 points. Smith, a 5-10 guard from Reston, Virginia, filled the stat sheet with 12 points, five assists and a disruptive defensive presence. Sarah Talon, a 5-9 hometown player from Windham, Maine, added nine points in 25 minutes off the bench.

The game’s flow was heavily influenced by the first-half disparity. Illinois-Chicago’s early defensive pressure and efficient scoring built a cushion that proved insurmountable for a Maine team that fought valiantly to claw back into the game but could never draw even.

The win gives Illinois-Chicago momentum as they continue a busy stretch of their schedule. The Flames were projected as favorites to win this contest by the Interstat ELO system, which gave them a 57.80 percent probability of victory, and they delivered on that expectation.

Illinois-Chicago will return to action quickly, facing Saint Francis (PA) on Saturday, Nov. 29. Maine, still searching for consistency, will look to rebound when they host Boston University on Monday, Dec. 1.