Free throws lift Illinois-Chicago to 60-56 victory

Posted December 30, 2009 10:00 pm

Associated Press

Robo Kreps went 18 for 18 from the free-throw line Thursday as Illinois-Chicago defeated Detroit 60-56.

The Flames (5-8, 1-2 Horizon) shot just 28.1 percent (16 for 57) from the floor, including 17.6 percent (3 for 17) on 3-point attempts. But they made up for it by hitting 25 of 31 free throws and taking advantage of 23 turnovers by Detroit.

Kreps was the only hot hand for Illinois Chicago. He finished with 31 points, accounted for all three Flames 3-pointers and hit 5 of 10 field goals overall.

Chase Simon had 14 points and Thomas Kennedy 11 for Detroit (9-5, 2-1), which attempted only 14 free throws, making nine. The Titans pulled within two points, 58-56, when Simon hit one of two free throws with 50 seconds remaining, and got the ball back with a chance to tie it. But Xavier Keeling's layup with 4 seconds left was blocked by the Flames' Brad Birton.

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