Titans hang on for win over UIC

DETROIT -- The Detroit Titans sure do keep things interesting.

The Titans let a 15-point halftime lead nearly evaporate before holding on for a 70-66 victory over Illinois-Chicago Friday night at Calihan Hall.

Gary Talton, who led UIC with 17 points, hit two free throws with 38 seconds left that cut the Flames' deficit to 68-66, but Jason Calliste and LaMarcus Lowe each made a free throw to close it out for the Titans (12-11, 6-5 Horizon).

It was Titans' third straight victory and fifth in their last six games. The victory also meant that the Titans completed a much-needed home sweep. Their schedule gets considerably tougher now, with upcoming road games against Valparaiso and Butler.

"The big thing was getting our sixth win in conference, we're above .500 and we defended our homecourt during this stretch," head coach Ray McCallum said. "Down the stretch, I just decided to go with guys who I thought could close it out."

Two of those players were Ray McCallum Jr. and Eli Holman, who combined for 42 of the Titans' 70 points.

McCallum Jr. had 26 points, six rebounds and four assists on his way to being named player of the game, a distinction he no doubt earned.

"I just wanted to help my team win, grab rebounds, play defense, find open guys for easy buckets," McCallum. "My main focus was to stay aggressive."

He wasn't the only one who stayed aggressive. Holman, an adrenaline shot off the bench lately, checked into a stagnant game in the first half and scored 10 points -- including two strong, old-fashioned three-point plays.

He added six points in the second half, and at one point made a brilliant backdoor cut, filling the lane behind a slashing McCallum, who made an over-the-head pass to Holman for an easy basket in what might have been the game's defining play.

"It's all goes back to our preparation," said Holman, who also had eight rebounds in 30 minutes. "Our preparation for the last two games has been great."

As for what caused the second-half collapse, coach McCallum said fatigue and new rotations could have been the culprits.

The Flames (6-15, 2-9) have lost 24 straight on the road in the Horizon League since 2009.