Howard lifts Detroit past Illinois-Chicago 65-59

Published Feb. 18, 2014 10:38 p.m. ET

foxsports

CHICAGO (AP) Juwan Howard Jr. scored 20 points and Jarod Williams added 17 as Detroit defeated Illinois-Chicago 65-59 on Tuesday night.

UIC moved out to a nine-point lead at the midway mark in the first half, but the Titans closed the period on an 11-4 run sparked by a 3-pointer from Anton Wilson to make it 36-34 at halftime.

Detroit maintained that momentum, opening the second half with a 10-0 surge. The Flames climbed back to tie the game at 57, but Williams answered with two free throws and a layup to lead 62-57 with 2:25 remaining.

After Jordan Harks and Pat Birt each split a pair of free throws to pull within three, Howard drained two free throws with 12 seconds left to seal it.

Carlton Brundidge scored 15 points for Detroit (13-15, 6-7 Horizon League).

Kelsey Barlow finished with 17 points and Harks had 13 for the Flames (5-22, 0-13).