| MATCHUP | Murray State Racers | UIC Flames |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 11-3 | 5-8 |
| Where | Credit Union 1 Arena, Chicago, IL | |
| When | Thursday, January 1, 2026 | |
| Time | 09:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Murray State Racers Betting Preview
The Murray State Racers are 11-3 (3-0) this year after they defeated Southern Illinois by a score of 84-81 in their last game. Murray State led 47-34 at halftime, but did allow 47 points in the second half in the close win. The Racers shot 51% from the field, 37% on three pointers, and 76% on free throws in the game. Javon Jackson led Murray State with 19 points and three rebounds, while JJ Traynor added 16 points and nine rebounds in the win.Prior to that game, Murray State defeated Valparaiso by a score of 85-79 and Drake by a score of 81-72. The Racers have scored 88.9 points per game with 38.1 rebounds and 15.9 assists per game, while they have allowed 78.3 points against per game this season. Javon Jackson is averaging 16.4 points and 2.5 assists per game, while Fred King is averaging 12.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game for the Racers. Murray State is shooting 48.3% from the field, 75.7% on free throws, and 37.5% on three pointers this year.
UIC Flames Betting Preview
The UIC Flames are 5-8 (0-2) this season after they defeated a non-D1 team by a score of 102-64 in their last game. UIC led 50-24 at halftime and scored 52 points in the second half to complete the blowout win. The Flames shot 56% from the field, 29% on three pointers, and 81% on free throws in the game. Mekhi Lowery led UIC with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Abdul Momoh added 17 points and six rebounds in the win.Prior to that game, UIC lost to Charlotte by a score of 88-76 and Northern Iowa by a score of 60-54. The Flames have scored 77.8 points per game with 36.1 rebounds and 14.3 assists per game, while they have allowed 73.7 points against per game this season. Andy Johnson is averaging 13.6 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, while Ahmad Henderson II is averaging 13.5 points and 2.8 assists per game for the Flames. UIC is shooting 44.5% from the field, 76.8% on free throws, and 31.4% on three pointers this season.
Why the UIC Flames will win
- UIC has won six of its last eight games at Credit Union 1 Arena.
Why the Murray State Racers will win
- Murray State has won each of its last seven games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- UIC has lost each of its last five night games against the Missouri Valley Conference.
- Murray State has won the first half in each of its last four night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- Murray State ranks T22nd among Division 1 teams for opponent blocks per game this season (2.4).
- Murray State ranks 26th among Division 1 teams for points per game this season (88.9).