Malcolm’s Career Night Lifts RMU Over UIC in Season Opener

by: Michael Sanders

CHICAGO — The 2025-26 season tipped off at Credit Union 1 Arena with energy, noise, and two teams fighting to set a tone. Robert Morris came out on top, beating UIC 78-63 behind Aislin Malcolm’s career-high 26 points, while senior Jessica Carrothers led all scorers with 28 for the Flames.

It was a game of swings. UIC opened hot, feeding off the home crowd and building a nine-point lead late in the first quarter. Carrothers looked unstoppable early, driving through contact and finding her rhythm in the midrange. The Flames led 21-12 before RMU settled in.

From there, the Colonials flipped the script. Malcolm’s layup late in the first cut into the lead, and in the second quarter RMU completely took over. The visitors locked in defensively, holding UIC to 23 percent shooting and going on a 14-0 run to grab a 30-23 lead. Bailey Kuhns dominated the paint during that stretch, scoring nine of her 13 points in the quarter as RMU out-rebounded UIC 12-4 down low.

By the third quarter, Malcolm was in full command. The sophomore guard scored 12 in the frame, including a three that stretched RMU’s lead to 50-35. The Colonials’ offense stayed sharp, shooting 53 percent while matching UIC’s inside scoring.

UIC continued to battle behind Carrothers, who poured in 28 points with four rebounds and four assists in 37 minutes. Amelia Strong added 13 points and six boards, and Julia Coleman chipped in with seven points and four rebounds in a strong two-way performance.

But RMU’s momentum was too much. In the final quarter, the Colonials shot a scorching 64 percent from the floor and 80 percent from deep, pushing their lead to as many as 19. Noa Givon and Kuhns both added 13 points apiece, while Jada Lee anchored the team with eight rebounds and six assists.

Malcolm closed it out in style, going 10-for-20 from the field with four threes, powering RMU to its third straight win over UIC.

Final: Robert Morris 78, UIC 63

Takeaway: RMU looked deep, balanced, and disciplined in its opener, while UIC showed promise behind Carrothers’ scoring explosion and Strong’s steady play. Both programs left Credit Union 1 Arena knowing exactly what they can build on.