UIC vs Drake Prediction 2/12/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The UIC Flames and the Drake Bulldogs meet Thursday in college basketball action from Knapp Center in Des Moines. Here’s a UIC vs Drake prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best UIC vs Drake pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.

UIC Flames Betting Preview

UIC had a pretty tough time in their opening 15 games of the season. The Flames were only 5-10 back in early January. UIC has since fought their way back up above .500 though, taking wins over Southern Illinois, Illinois State, Northern Iowa, Drake, Evansville, Bradley, Southern Illinois and Indiana State. After a couple more losses UIC is currently 13-12 overall this season.

Last Friday versus Belmont, the Flames were down by 12 points at the break 38-26. UIC got better in the second half on a 36-30 advantage but still ended up losing in the end 68-62 in a home matchup. Ahmad Henderson was the team’s leading scorer with 14 points and two assists while Mekhi Lowery added 13 points with five rebounds and one assist in 28 minutes.

Drake Bulldogs Betting Preview

Over on the Drake side, they posted a decent 6-3 stretch over their first nine games of the season. After that the Bulldogs got worse on a 3-7 record over the next 10 outings. The losses in that time were courtesy of UAB, North Dakota State, Murray State, Illinois State, Bradley, Belmont and UIC. After a 3-1 run over the next four (featuring a lone loss to Bradley) came losses to Belmont, Illinois State and Valparaiso.

In the Monday matchup versus Valparaiso the Bulldogs exited the floor after the first half clinging to a 40-38 edge. Drake was outscored 43-36 the rest of the way and ended up falling in the end 81-76. Jalen Quinn was tops on 33 points with five rebounds and three assists while Eli Shetlar had 15 points with two rebounds and one assist in 35 minutes of work in the loss.

UIC Flames @ Drake Bulldogs Betting Trends: February 12, 2026

Why the Drake Bulldogs will win

• Drake has won 14 of its last 16 night games against the Missouri Valley Conference at Knapp Center.
• UIC has lost eight of its last nine Thursday games.
• Drake has won the first half in nine of its last 11 night games against the Missouri Valley Conference at Knapp Center.

Why the UIC Flames will win

• Drake has lost each of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• UIC has won eight of its last 10 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• UIC has won the first half in 12 of its last 16 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

UIC vs Drake Prediction

I’ll lean toward UIC but I’m not touching this one. The Flames couldn’t keep pace with a good Belmont team in their latest home loss, shooting 42.6 percent from the field and just 16.7 percent (3-of-18) from 3-point range. UIC had a nice 30-18 advantage on points in the paint but got out-rebounded 27-24 along the way. The Flames are still 8-2 in their last 10 games though, scoring 68 or more points in eight of those 10 outings.

These teams last met up back on January 17 in a 74-67 home win for the Flames. In that one UIC didn’t shoot very well on just 39.2 percent, but did hit 10 of 25 shots from 3-point range (40 percent) and had a 36-26 rebounding edge with just eight turnovers. The Flames are going to have to get that shooting percentage elevated in the road rematch if they want to take another win.

Andrew Jett's Pick: UIC Flames +1.5