As Illinois-Chicago hosts Evansville at Credit Union 1 Arena, the Flames are riding a three-game win streak and seeking to build momentum towards a potential tournament bid. With a 139 NET ranking and a quad record of 0-2 in Q1 games, 2-1 in Q2, UIC needs to take care of business against inferior opponents like Evansville to pad their resume. The Aces, meanwhile, are struggling to find their footing with a 5-15 record and a 285 NET ranking, making this a crucial opportunity for UIC to secure a Quad 3 win.
The CHD Scout prediction favors UIC by 11.4 points, with an 84.7% win probability, and it's hard to argue with those numbers given the disparity in team performance. UIC's recent form, combined with their home-court advantage, makes them a formidable opponent for Evansville. While the Aces have shown flashes of competitiveness, their inability to string together consistent wins has hindered their progress.
CHD Scout Prediction
Evansville
64
UIC
75
With no notable player momentum to speak of, this game will likely come down to which team can execute their game plan more effectively. UIC's ability to limit turnovers and capitalize on Evansville's mistakes will be key to their success. Given the Flames' current trajectory and the prediction in their favor, I expect UIC to emerge victorious, likely by a margin of around 10 points. The Flames should be able to dictate the pace and secure a much-needed win to keep their tournament hopes alive.