CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Defense had created a winning formula for the Champaign Swarm in their first three games, but the Bloomington Flex’s defense outdid the Swarm on Thursday night at Parkland College.

The Flex handed the Swarm (3-1) their first loss of the season, 102-81.

Bloomington ‘s front line was dominant, as Terrence Green and Anthony Slack teamed up for 10 of Bloomington’s 11 blocks. Slack poured in 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.The Flex defense forced 19 Champaign turnovers and had 14 steals.

The Flex led from early in the first quarter and held the Swarm to their lowest scoring output in four games. The Swarm pulled to within 15 points early in the fourth quarter but came no closer.

Bloomington has won five straight games after dropping their season opener. Justin Bocot, the league’s leading scorer, had a game-high 26 points.

For the second straight game, Aaron Weaver came off the Swarm bench to tally his squad’s game-high with 22 points. Mark St. Fort posted his third straight double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

The Swarm have their first road test of the year against the Windy City Groove at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 30, at the Kroc Center in Chicago. Champaign beat Windy City on Sunday at home, 115-89.  The Flex are off until February 8.