UIC Flames Defeat Drake Bulldogs 74-67 in Close Contest
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 3:00 PM ET · Credit Union 1 Arena
UIC Flames 74, Drake Bulldogs 67, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Drake Bulldogs vs UIC Flames?
UIC Flames beat Drake Bulldogs 74-67 at Credit Union 1 Arena on January 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Drake Bulldogs vs UIC Flames?
UIC Flames were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -218 (about 69% implied). The favorite won.
The UIC Flames secured a 74-67 victory over the Drake Bulldogs in a closely contested NCAAB matchup at the Credit Union 1 Arena. This win marks an important moment for the Flames, who have now won four of their last six games, showcasing a recent surge in form. The Flames' record improved to 10-10, while the Bulldogs fell to 9-11, reflecting both teams' struggles this season, as they entered the game with identical records of 9-10.
In the lead-up to the game, both teams had shown inconsistent performances. UIC had a record of 4-6 in their last ten games, with a scoring average of 72.0 points per game while allowing 70.3 points. Their recent form included a three-game winning streak, with notable victories against Northern Iowa, Illinois State, and Southern Illinois. Their home record stood at 2-2 in the last ten games, indicating a mixed performance at home, but they had shown resilience recently.
On the other hand, the Drake Bulldogs also posted a 4-6 record in their last ten games, averaging 75.7 points scored but allowing a higher average of 76.5 points. Their recent victory against Southern Illinois ended a streak of three losses, giving them a much-needed boost. Drake's away record was 2-2 in their last ten games, indicating they could perform well on the road, but they had faced challenges in their previous outings.
In terms of previous meetings, the Flames and Bulldogs had split their last two encounters, with UIC winning 74-70 at home earlier in the 2025 season and losing 57-74 in their last meeting on the road. This matchup was pivotal for both teams, as they sought to gain an edge in their head-to-head record.
Injury concerns did not appear to significantly affect either team leading up to the game, allowing both sides to field their strongest lineups. The market had priced UIC as the favorites, with DraftKings setting the odds at UIC -5.5, indicating confidence in their ability to secure a win. The total was set at 139.5, reflecting expectations for a moderately high-scoring game, which ultimately played out as both teams exchanged baskets throughout.
Game conditions were conducive for basketball, with no significant weather factors impacting the indoor arena. Fans witnessed a competitive atmosphere as both teams fought for control. UIC's Ahmad Henderson II played a crucial role in the second half, contributing key free throws that helped secure the Flames' lead. The scoring plays showcased the intensity of the game, with Jalen Quinn's three-pointer and Rashund Washington Jr.'s layup being pivotal moments.
As the game progressed, UIC managed to maintain their lead, with strategic plays and effective free-throw shooting down the stretch. The final score of 74-67 highlighted the Flames' ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities while also containing the Bulldogs' offensive efforts. This victory not only boosts UIC's confidence but also sets the stage for their upcoming games as they look to build on this momentum.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UIC -5.5 | 139.5 o -110 / u -110 | Drake Bulldogs +180 · UIC Flames -218 |
Leaders
- PointsAndy Johnson21UIC Flames
- AssistsElijah Crawford6UIC Flames
- ReboundsElijah Crawford8UIC Flames
- PointsJalen Quinn28Drake Bulldogs
- AssistsEli Shetlar4Drake Bulldogs
- ReboundsEli Shetlar7Drake Bulldogs
Recent form
UIC Flames
Last 10: 4-6Streak W372 scored · 70.3 allowed per game2-2 at home
- W69-61at Northern Iowa PanthersJan 14
- W63-59at Illinois State RedbirdsJan 10
- W70-57vs Southern Illinois SalukisJan 8
- L59-66at Valparaiso BeaconsJan 4
- L77-81vs Murray State RacersJan 2
- W102-64vs Illinois Tech Scarlet HawksDec 29
- L76-88at Charlotte 49ersDec 21
- L54-60vs Northern Iowa PanthersDec 17
- L84-87at Belmont BruinsDec 13
- L66-80at Yale BulldogsDec 7
Drake Bulldogs
Last 10: 4-6Streak W175.7 scored · 76.5 allowed per game2-2 away
- W76-73at Southern Illinois SalukisJan 15
- L76-78vs Belmont BruinsJan 10
- L66-93at Bradley BravesJan 8
- W74-72vs Indiana State SycamoresJan 4
- L56-73vs Illinois State RedbirdsDec 30
- W66-65at Evansville Purple AcesDec 21
- L72-81at Murray State RacersDec 19
- L94-99vs North Dakota State BisonDec 13
- L69-74vs UAB BlazersDec 6
- W108-57vs Western Illinois LeathernecksDec 3
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont | 26-6 | - | 16-4 |
| Bradley | 21-13 | 3 | 13-7 |
| Illinois State | 23-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Murray State | 20-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| UIC | 19-16 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Northern Iowa | 23-13 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Valparaiso | 18-15 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Southern Illinois | 16-16 | 6 | 10-10 |
| Drake | 14-20 | 10 | 6-14 |
| Indiana State | 11-21 | 12 | 4-16 |
| Evansville | 7-25 | 13 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Drake Bulldogs | UIC Flames |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-59 | 20-51 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 39 |
| Three-pointers | 9-32 | 10-25 |
| Three-point % | 28 | 40 |
| Free throws | 10-18 | 24-38 |
| Free throw % | 56 | 63 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 41 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 28 |
| Assists | 13 | 14 |
| Steals | 4 | 4 |
| Blocks | 3 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 20 |
| Fouls | 26 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 15 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 95 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half36-47Josiah Hammons makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half36-48Josiah Hammons makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half38-48Jaehshon Thomas makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half41-48Eli Shetlar makes 24-foot three point jumper (Owen Larson assists)
- 2nd Half42-48Jalen Quinn makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-48Jalen Quinn makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-50Jayce Nathaniel makes layup
- 2nd Half45-50Owen Larson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-53Elijah Crawford makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ahmad Henderson II assists)
- 2nd Half46-53Jaehshon Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-54Andy Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-55Andy Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-55Jalen Quinn makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-55Jalen Quinn makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-56Abdul Momoh makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-56Eli Shetlar makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jalen Quinn assists)
- 2nd Half53-56Jaehshon Thomas makes 14-foot turnaround jump shot (Eli Shetlar assists)
- 2nd Half53-57Andy Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-58Andy Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-58Jaehshon Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-59Abdul Momoh makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-61Andy Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half54-62Mekhi Lowery makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-63Abdul Momoh makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-63Jalen Quinn makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-63Jalen Quinn makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-64Ahmad Henderson II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-65Ahmad Henderson II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-65Owen Larson makes layup
- 2nd Half58-67Mekhi Lowery makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Elijah Crawford assists)
- 2nd Half61-67Owen Larson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jalen Quinn assists)
- 2nd Half61-68Ahmad Henderson II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-69Ahmad Henderson II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-69Jalen Quinn makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half64-71Rashund Washington Jr. makes layup (Elijah Crawford assists)
- 2nd Half65-71Jalen Quinn makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half65-72Ahmad Henderson II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-73Ahmad Henderson II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-73Owen Larson makes layup
- 2nd Half67-74Rashund Washington Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours UIC Flames, below favours Drake Bulldogs.
Venue
- Credit Union 1 ArenaChicago, IL
- Attendance1274
- OfficialsBrad Gaston, Leslie Jones, Jacob Hirz
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond