Chicago, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - A 3-pointer by Billy Garrett with 6.5 seconds remaining proved to be the game winner as the DePaul Blue Demons slipped by the Illinois-Chicago Flames, 72-71, in a cross-town clash at McGrath-Phillips Arena.

Garrett finished the night just 1-of-5 beyond the arc, but came up with 12 points and six assists, while Tommy Hamilton accounted for 17 points and both Myke Henry and Forrest Robinson tallied 11 in the victory for the Blue Demons (1-0).

The Flames (0-1) were paced by Marc Brown who tallied a game-high 19 points, converting all eight of his free-throw attempts, while Paris Burns and Jake Wiegand delivered 15 points apiece, the latter also clearing a game-high 12 boards.

UIC shot a dismal 9-of-29 from the field in the first half, including 2-of-10 behind the 3-point line, resulting in a 46-30 deficit at the break. The lead could have been even greater if not for the fact that DePaul made only 4-of-15 on the perimeter through the first 20 minutes.

The second half saw the Blue Demons convert just nine total field goals and fall behind by two in the final minute before Garrett knocked down his only triple of the night. UIC had a chance to win the game at the buzzer, but a 3- pointer by D'Juan Miller missed the mark.

DePaul survived the meeting despite shooting 12-of-24 at the free-throw line, compared to 24-of-29 for the Flames.