OLYMPIC UPDATE

The United States had an impressive opening weekend at the Sochi Olympics, capturing two Gold and three Bronze medals. That puts the US in a three way tie for second in the overall medal count early on in these Winter Games. Norway tops the field with seven medals, including two Golds of their own. Joining the US with five medals so far are Canada and host country Russia. The US's first two Golds of these games both came in the Snowboarding category. Sage Kotsenburg took home Gold in the men's Slopestyle event, while Jamie Anderson did the same on the women's side. The Men's Slopestyle was the first medal event, and Sage's score of 93.50 is hopefully a sign of good things to come for the US. Hannah Kearney took home Bronze in the Women's Moguls event in the Freestyle Skiing category and Julia Mancuso nabbed another Bronze in the Alpine Skiing Women's Super Combined event. The other US medal was earned by their Figure Skating team, featuring eight of America's best and brightest skating stars - both men and women. The US women's hockey team set an Olympic record when they scored three goals in just 55 seconds during the first period of their 9-0 rout of Switzerland, winning their second game in the preliminary round.

Thursday College BBall LIVE

This Thursday LIVE on our sister station of ChicagolandSportsRadio.com, we will be brodcating TWO LIVE college basketball games. Moraine Valley CC Mens and Womens games starting at approx 515pm. TUNE IN!

UIC vs. Youngstown

UIC Flames VS Youngstown State Penguins.  January 7, 2014.

It was the battle of the winless.  The Penguins came into this matchup coming off two tough conference road losses to Milwaukee, and Green Bay.  While the Flames dropped their conference opener on the road at Valparaiso, who won the Horizon League last season.

The Flames started off hot at home, behind Purdue transfer Kelsey Barlow and ended up only trailing by one at the half.  Barlow was playing outstanding going 5-9 from the field with 15 points.

While the Penguins were led by Preseason Horizon League Conference Player Of The Year Nominee Kendrick Perry, who was 5-5 from the field with 12 points, and 3 assists.

The Flames shot 50% from the field, while the Penguins managed to shoot a miraculous 65% going into the second half.

However this is when trouble started to brew for the Flames.

The Penguins came out strong the second half going on a 15-0 run led by Kendrick Perry and Kamren Belin.  Belin along with Ryan Weber combined for five threes down the stretch to seal the deal.  Belin finished with 15 points going 6-13 from the field, for the Penguins.

The run was eventually broken up at the eleven minute mark in the second half, after a made lay in from Ahman Fells.

The Penguins would eventually cruise to a 75-62 victory getting their first conference victory of the season.  Perry led all scorers with 23 points, and tallied 7 assists.

For the third game in a row the Flames blew early leads, and Barlow was held to only two points in the second half, finishing with 15 points for the Flames.

The Flames remain the only winless team in conference play, and will head to Dayton Sunday evening, for a matchup with Wright State.

The Penguins now improve to 10-8 on the season and will have a string of four straight home games, starting Monday, facing off against Cleveland State.

The Flames now drop to 5-11, however the Flames still hold the all time series lead against the Penguins 24-8.

Derek Spallone

Follow me on Twitter: @sportsbloggerDS

To see what Kendrick Perry had to say about the game and the season, check out my interview with him below.

Kendrick Perry Interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3CkrA7Bnw4&feature=c4-overview&list=UUYsv5ql2E5acZd6Ca5wO87Q