Preview: Drake Bulldogs at Illinois-Chicago Flames

CHICAGO (Interstat) — Two Missouri Valley Conference teams trending in opposite directions will meet Saturday when the Drake Bulldogs visit the Illinois-Chicago Flames at UIC Pavilion.

Drake (9-9, 3-3 MVC) arrives after a taxing 76-73 overtime road victory at Southern Illinois on Wednesday. The Bulldogs have alternated wins and losses over their last six games, struggling to find consistency. Guard Jalen Quinn has been their brightest spot, coming off a 21-point, 4-assist effort in 38 minutes against the Salukis. Over his last four games, Quinn is averaging 14.5 points.

UIC (8-10, 3-3) has won three straight conference games, including a 69-61 road win at Northern Iowa on Tuesday. The Flames’ surge has been fueled by improved defense and the play of forward Abdul Momoh. He scored 21 points against the Panthers and is averaging 16.7 points over the last three contests.

The Flames will aim to protect their home court, where they are 2-1 in Valley play this season. Drake is 2-3 in true road games. The Bulldogs won both meetings last season.

Saturday’s matchup is critical for mid-conference positioning. A win would give UIC its first four-game MVC winning streak since joining the conference. Drake seeks to build momentum from its overtime win and string together consecutive victories for the first time since early December.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.