Johnson scores 21, UIC takes down Drake 74-67

Drake fights back, but can’t overcome 38 free throw attempts from UIC.

CHICAGO (AP) — Andy Johnson had 21 points in UIC’s 74-67 victory against Drake on Saturday.

Johnson shot 5 of 8 from the field, including 4 for 6 from 3-point range, and went 7 for 8 from the line for the Flames (9-10, 4-4 Missouri Valley Conference). Ahmad Henderson II shot 5 for 9 (4 for 6 from 3-point range) and 6 of 6 from the free-throw line to add 20 points.

Jalen Quinn led the way for the Bulldogs (9-10, 3-5) with 28 points. Drake also got 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists from Eli Shetlar, and Owen Larson had nine points.

UIC took the lead for good with 15:14 to go in the first half. The score was 34-22 at halftime, with Johnson racking up 15 points. UIC was outscored by Drake in the second half by a five-point margin, but still wound up on top, while Henderson led the way with a team-high 12 second-half points.

Drake Team Notes
—Drake’s record fell to 9-10 overall including a 3-5 mark in the Missouri Valley Conference.
—The Bulldogs are 3-3 on the road.
—UIC led wire to wire and there was one tie in the game.
—Drake shot 40.7 percent from the floor (24-59), including 50 percent (15-30) in the second half.
—Drake committed a season-high 26 fouls.
—UIC made 24 of 38 free throws, compared to Drake making just 10 of 18 charity attempts.
—Drake fell to 3-9 when trailing at halftime—unable to erase a 34-22 halftime deficit.
—Drake surpassed its entire first half output of 22 points in the opening 10:31 of the second half while outscoring UIC, 45-40, in the second period.
—Drake owned a 24-20 margin in points in the paint.
—Keno Davis, who was named the Associated Press National College Coach of the Year in 2007-08 after guiding Drake to both the MVC regular-season and postseason tournament titles en route to the NCAA Tournament, was the analyst for the ESPN+ telecast of the game.

Drake Player Notes
—Senior transfer guard Jalen Quinn enjoyed his eighth 20-plus scoring game of the season, leading Drake with 28 points, including 18 in the second half.
—Eli Shetlar, making just his sixth start of the season, added 13 points while pulling down a game-high seven rebounds.
—Quinn tied a season high with three three-point baskets.
—Shetlar also made three three-point baskets, marking the seventh game this season making three or more treys including the third straight game.
—Shetlar led Drake with a career-high four assists.
—Wilguens Jr. Exacte, who had started in 13 games, missed his fifth consecutive game because of a foot injury.

The Series
—Drake suffered its second straight loss to UIC in Chicago, but the Bulldogs still own the lead in the all-time series, 14-4, including a 4-3 mark in games played in the Windy City.