The Bradley Braves and the University of Illinois at Chicago Flames are set to face off in a pivotal Missouri Valley Conference matchup at Credit Union 1 Arena on February 24. As the regular season draws to a close, both teams find themselves in the thick of the conference race, with Bradley sitting at 12-6 in MVC play and UIC close behind at 11-7. With the Flames hosting this crucial contest, the outcome will have significant implications for the conference standings and postseason positioning.
The margin between these two evenly matched teams is razor-thin, as evidenced by their nearly identical conference records and NET rankings, with Bradley at #111 and UIC at #110. The Braves and Flames have both experienced similar ups and downs in recent weeks, with each team posting a 3-2 record over their last five games. As they clash in this high-stakes matchup, the winner will gain a crucial advantage in the pursuit of a coveted spot in the MVC tournament, where both teams will ultimately need to secure the auto-bid to extend their seasons.
Averaging 17.1 points per game, has been the team's leading scorer, while also contributing 4.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. With his 45% three-point shooting, has been a key factor in Bradley's offense, scoring 12.3 points per game. His 3.3 rebounds per game have also been valuable, as the team has looked to him for support in the paint. The team's recent form has been marked by a 74-60 win over Illinois State, where 's 8.4 points per game average was on display, and a 70-60 win at Southern Illinois, where Demarion Burch's 9.5 points per game helped secure the victory.
The team's 19-10 record, including a 12-6 mark in the Missouri Valley Conference, has been fueled by the contributions of , whose 5.0 rebounds per game have been crucial in securing possession. His 8.0 points per game have also been important, as the team has looked to him for scoring support. In the last five games, the team has gone 3-2, with losses at Valparaiso and Northern Iowa, but wins over Illinois State, Southern Illinois, and Belmont, where Jaquan Johnson's all-around game was on full display. As the team heads into the game against UIC, they will look to build on this recent form and secure a strong finish to the season.
Averaging 12.6 points per game, 's scoring ability will be crucial for UIC as they face Bradley. The team's leading scorer, with his 4.4 assists per game, also brings a playmaking element that can create opportunities for his teammates, including , who is scoring 12.0 points per game. His 2.0 assists per game demonstrate his ability to contribute to the team's offense in multiple ways. With a record of 16-13, UIC has shown resilience, particularly in their recent wins, including an 84-46 victory at Evansville and an 83-56 win against Illinois State.
In their last five games, UIC has gone 3-2, with losses to Valparaiso and Belmont, and wins against Evansville, Illinois State, and Drake. 's 5.4 rebounds per game have been vital in securing possessions for his team, while 's 11.3 points per game have provided a consistent scoring threat. 's 5.0 rebounds per game have also been important in supporting the team's rebounding efforts. As UIC prepares to face Bradley, they will need to leverage these strengths to come out on top.
The matchup between Bradley's Jaquan Johnson and UIC's Elijah Crawford will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this game. As the primary ball handlers for their respective teams, their head-to-head battle will set the tone for the offense. Johnson's ability to score and distribute the ball will be tested by Crawford's playmaking skills, which have been instrumental in UIC's offense. If Johnson can outmaneuver Crawford and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates, Bradley will have a significant advantage.
Crawford's defensive capabilities will also be crucial in containing Johnson, who has been Bradley's most consistent scorer. If Crawford can limit Johnson's scoring chances and force him to become a facilitator, UIC's offense may be able to capitalize on the ensuing opportunities. Conversely, if Johnson can exploit Crawford's defense and get into a rhythm, it could be a long night for the UIC defense. The outcome of this individual matchup will have a significant impact on the team's overall performance, making it the most critical aspect of the game.
CHD Scout Prediction
Bradley
72
UIC
75
The model predicts a narrow UIC victory, 75-72, with a 61.0% win probability, but I disagree and believe Bradley will emerge victorious. While the model's numbers suggest a close contest, I think Bradley's slightly better overall record, despite a marginally lower NET ranking, gives them an edge in this matchup. Specifically, Bradley's ability to win 19 games, just one more than UIC, suggests they have a bit more consistency and resilience, which I think will serve them well in a tight road game against a similarly matched opponent.
As the regular season winds down, both Bradley and UIC are jockeying for positioning in the Missouri Valley Conference standings, with the ultimate goal of securing a favorable seed in the conference tournament. A win for either team would not only bolster their conference tournament prospects but also provide a much-needed boost to their program's trajectory. With Bradley sitting at 19-10 and UIC at 16-13, the Braves are currently in a stronger position, but a loss to the Flames could tighten the gap and create a logjam in the conference standings. UIC, on the other hand, needs a win to stay within striking distance of the top seeds, and a victory over Bradley would be a significant step in that direction, especially considering this game is a Quad 2 opportunity for the Braves and a Quad 3 contest for the Flames. The outcome of this game will have a direct impact on the conference tournament landscape, and ultimately, the team that emerges victorious will be one step closer to claiming the MVC's automatic bid, making this matchup a high-stakes affair with the Braves' and Flames' postseason fates hanging precariously in the balance, and the loser will be left to ponder what could have been in a season that is rapidly slipping away.