Balanced Detroit starts fast to beat Illinois-Chicago 87-69

DETROIT (AP) — Paris Bass led five players in double figures with 16 points and Detroit got off to a fast start to defeat Illinois-Chicago 87-69 on Friday night.

Carlton Brundidge had 15 points and Chris Jenkins 14 for the Titans (9-5, 3-0 Horizon League), who are off to their best start in league play since the 1998-99 team won its first four. They have also won 12 straight on Dick Vitale Court.

Dikembe Dixson had 22 points and Najeal Young 15 for the Flames (2-11, 0-2), who lost their third straight.

Jenkins, who had 12 points in the first half, had a jumper and a pair of 3-point plays as the Titans raced to a 17-2 lead with 15 straight points. UIC didn't make its first field goal until Lance Whitaker's jumper at 13:19 made it 17-4.

Jaleel Hogan scored the last six points to give Detroit a 47-27 lead at the half.