CHICAGO (Interstat) — A dominant third-quarter surge propelled the Illinois-Chicago Flames to a 76-64 victory over the Illinois State Redbirds in a Missouri Valley Conference women’s basketball game Thursday night at UIC Pavilion.

The Flames, who trailed by five at halftime, erupted for 30 points in the decisive third period, flipping a competitive contest into a commanding double-digit lead they would not relinquish. The win improved Illinois-Chicago’s record to 9-10 overall, while Illinois State fell to an even 9-9. An announced crowd of 942 watched the home side avenge a 75-61 loss to the Redbirds just two weeks prior.

The game’s pivotal shift came immediately after halftime. Illinois State, led by Doneelah Washington’s 17 points, had managed a 28-27 lead at the intermission despite offensive struggles. The Flames, however, found an explosive rhythm in the third quarter, outscoring the Redbirds 30-20. Illinois-Chicago shot a blistering 11 of 16 from the field in the frame, including 4 of 5 from three-point range, while forcing six Illinois State turnovers.

Guard Chantrel Clayton, listed on the roster as Tutu Clayton, was the catalyst for the Flames. The sophomore from St. Louis scored a game-high 20 points, dished out five assists and was central to the third-quarter barrage, hitting multiple three-pointers during the run. Her backcourt partner, Jessica Carrothers of Highland, Indiana, added 14 points and four assists, providing steady play throughout.

The Flames’ efficiency was stark. They finished the game shooting 53.7 percent from the field and posted an offensive rating of 114.2 points per 100 possessions. They also capitalized on Illinois State’s mistakes, scoring 18 points off 16 Redbird turnovers while committing only 12 of their own. Illinois-Chicago also held a 10-5 advantage in steals.

Illinois State, which shot a respectable 51.1 percent from the floor, was hampered by turnovers and missed opportunities at the free-throw line, where they converted only 14 of 23 attempts. Washington, a 6-foot sophomore from Lincoln, Nebraska, was a bright spot with her 17 points, two assists and a block. Trista Fayta of Green Bay, Wisconsin, added 10 points.

The Flames’ frontcourt provided crucial balance. Julia Coleman, a 6-foot forward from St. Louis, matched Carrothers with 14 points and was a force defensively with multiple steals and a block. Amelia Strong of Niagara Falls, New York, came off the bench to score 11 points, and German post player Magdalena Winter added 10 points, all in the first three quarters.

The game began as a defensive struggle, with Illinois-Chicago holding a narrow 17-13 lead after one quarter. The Redbirds tightened their defense in the second, holding the Flames to just 10 points to take a one-point lead into the locker room. The complexion of the game changed entirely after the break, as Illinois-Chicago’s offensive execution and defensive pressure overwhelmed the visitors.

The victory was a significant one for the Flames, who evened the season series and climbed back toward .500 in conference play. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Illinois State had entered the game with a 67.1 percent probability to win.

Illinois State looks to rebound Sunday with a road game at Indiana State. Illinois-Chicago continues its homestand Sunday against Bradley.