Josh Crittle scored 17 points and had 12 rebounds for Illinois-Chicago which survived a horrid shooting performance to get by Southeast Missouri State 56-45 on Saturday afternoon.
The Flames (4-1) shot 28.8 percent from the field, or 19 of 66, but hit six 3-pointers and were 12 of 18 from the free-throw line while turning the ball over only five times. UIC out-rebounded the Redhawks 50-40.
Gary Talton had 14 points and nine rebounds and Daniel Barnes scored 10 to give UIC three players in double figures scoring.
Corey Wilford led Southeast Missouri State (3-4) with 15 points and six rebounds, Tyler Stone had 14 points and six rebounds and Nino Johnson chipped in with six points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots.
Wilford hit a 3-pointer to put the Redhawks up 16-9 with 12:59 remaining in the first half but UIC went on a 19-9 run before halftime and didn't look back.
