Illinois State vs UIC Pick – Basketball Predictions & Odds 2/1/23

The UIC Flames and the Illinois State Redbirds meet Wednesday in college basketball action from Redbird Arena. UIC is 9-14 on the year so far. The Flames lost to Bradley on Sunday in their last game. As for Illinois State, they’re 9-14 overall as well following a win over Southern Illinois. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.

UIC Flames 

UIC lost to Loyola IL, Fordham, Missouri State, Drake, Northwestern, Bradley and Belmont in their first 16 games this year. The Flames have lost to Indiana State, Drake, Murray State, Valparaiso, Northern Iowa, Missouri State and Bradley since then. 

In the Bradley game, the Flames took a 36-28 deficit into the second half. UIC scored 48 points from there but couldn’t come back in an 83-76 loss. Jace Carter doubled up with 25 points and 10 rebounds in the defeat. 

Illinois State Redbirds 

Over on the Illinois State side, they beat only Eastern Illinois, Northwestern State, Eastern Michigan, Belmont, SIUE and Chicago State in their first 16 games. The Redbirds are 3-4 in their last seven with wins over Evansville, Missouri State and Southern IL. 

Matched up against Southern Illinois on Sunday, the Redbirds were up 36-33 at the break. Another 36-33 run came in the second half and Illinois State managed the win 72-66. Seneca Knight was tops in scoring on 24 points. 

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll probably stick with Illinois State in this one. Granted, there’s not a ton of intrigue involved here; both teams are struggling right now. That said, it should be a competitive matchup. The Flames managed a 55-51 win back on December 28 when these teams last met up at UIC Pavilion. The Redbirds suffered a 33-17 first-half deficit and couldn’t climb out of the hole. Illinois State has been a mixed bag scoring-wise since then, but if they can get off to a good start in this one I think they’ll be okay on a cover.