UIC Flames Defeat Drake Bulldogs 72-51 in NCAAB Showdown
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 3:30 PM ET · Enterprise Center
UIC Flames 72, Drake Bulldogs 51, 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 72-51 at Enterprise Center on March 7, 2026.
Who was favored in Drake Bulldogs vs UIC Flames?
UIC Flames were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -198 (about 66% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the UIC Flames triumphed over the Drake Bulldogs with a final score of 72-51 at the Enterprise Center. This victory was notable as it marked the Flames' strong performance against the Bulldogs, extending their head-to-head record to 4-1 over the past two seasons.
The UIC Flames entered this game with a home record of 19-14 and had been performing well recently, boasting a 6-4 record over their last ten games, including a current winning streak of one. Their scoring average during this stretch was 76.6 points per game, while they allowed an average of 70.2 points. In their last five games, they recorded an average of 79.8 points scored and 72.2 points allowed. The Flames had a mixed record at home, going 2-2 in their last four home games, but were strong overall in away contests, with a 4-2 record.
On the other hand, the Drake Bulldogs faced challenges throughout the season, finishing with a record of 14-20. Their recent form was less favorable, with a record of 2-8 in their last ten games, although they did come into this matchup with a two-game winning streak. The Bulldogs averaged 72.6 points scored and 79.3 points allowed in their last ten games. Their away record was 2-4 in the last six games, and they struggled significantly at home, with an overall home record of 0-4.
In terms of previous meetings, the Flames had secured victories in three of their last four encounters with the Bulldogs, including a win earlier in the season on February 13, 2026, where they defeated Drake 80-70. This history likely contributed to the Flames' confidence going into this game.
Injury reports did not indicate significant issues affecting either team, allowing both squads to field their key players. The betting lines provided by DraftKings indicated that UIC was favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 144.5. The moneyline odds reflected UIC at -198.0 and Drake at 164.0, suggesting that the market viewed UIC as the stronger team.
The conditions at the Enterprise Center were conducive to a competitive game, and the Flames capitalized on their home advantage. UIC's scoring was highlighted by key plays in the second half, including a 27-foot three-point jumper by Ahmad Henderson II and a series of free throws by Andy Johnson and Elijah Crawford. The Flames' ability to maintain a strong lead in the second half was critical in securing their victory.
As the game progressed, UIC demonstrated their offensive prowess and defensive resilience, ultimately controlling the pace and flow of the game. The final score of 72-51 underscored the Flames' dominance and solidified their position as a formidable opponent in the NCAAB landscape.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UIC -4.5 | 144.5 o -110 / u -110 | Drake Bulldogs +164 · UIC Flames -198 |
Leaders
- PointsRashund Washington Jr.23UIC Flames
- AssistsMekhi Lowery5UIC Flames
- ReboundsMekhi Lowery12UIC Flames
- PointsJalen Quinn14Drake Bulldogs
- AssistsOwen Larson5Drake Bulldogs
- ReboundsIsaiah Carr5Drake Bulldogs
Recent form
UIC Flames
Last 10: 6-4Streak W176.6 scored · 70.2 allowed per game2-2 at home
- W92-79at Murray State RacersMar 6
- L63-79at Indiana State SycamoresMar 1
- W93-86vs Bradley BravesFeb 25
- L67-71vs Valparaiso BeaconsFeb 21
- W84-46at Evansville Purple AcesFeb 19
- W83-56vs Illinois State RedbirdsFeb 15
- W80-70at Drake BulldogsFeb 13
- L62-68vs Belmont BruinsFeb 7
- L74-81at Murray State RacersFeb 4
- W68-66at Southern Illinois SalukisFeb 1
Drake Bulldogs
Last 10: 2-8Streak W272.6 scored · 79.3 allowed per game2-4 away
- W100-79at Belmont BruinsMar 6
- W67-63at Southern Illinois SalukisMar 5
- L53-75vs Northern Iowa PanthersMar 1
- L71-74at Valparaiso BeaconsFeb 26
- L61-66vs Southern Illinois SalukisFeb 19
- L62-86at Northern Iowa PanthersFeb 15
- L70-80vs UIC FlamesFeb 13
- L76-81vs Valparaiso BeaconsFeb 10
- L76-86at Illinois State RedbirdsFeb 7
- L90-103at Belmont BruinsFeb 4
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 | 18-56 | 27-56 |
| Field goal % | 32 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 7-27 | 5-22 |
| Three-point % | 26 | 23 |
| Free throws | 8-11 | 13-19 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 68 |
| Rebounds | 28 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 29 |
| Assists | 10 | 13 |
| Steals | 5 | 6 |
| Blocks | 2 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 20 | 40 |
| Fouls | 13 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 1 | 21 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 1 | 97 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half25-29Okku Federiko makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jalen Quinn assists)
- 1st Half25-32Andy Johnson makes 28-foot three point jumper (Sam Silverstein assists)
- 1st Half25-34Abdul Momoh makes 1-foot dunk
- 1st Half27-34Isaiah Carr makes layup (Eli Shetlar assists)
- 2nd Half29-34Jaehshon Thomas makes driving layup (Owen Larson assists)
- 2nd Half29-35Mekhi Lowery makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half29-37Rashund Washington Jr. makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half29-38Rashund Washington Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half29-39Rashund Washington Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half32-39Owen Larson makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half32-41Rashund Washington Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half33-41Owen Larson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half34-41Owen Larson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half34-43Abdul Momoh makes layup (Andy Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half35-43Jalen Quinn makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half36-43Jalen Quinn makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-43Eli Shetlar makes 23-foot three point jumper (Owen Larson assists)
- 2nd Half39-45Mekhi Lowery makes driving layup
- 2nd Half39-46Mekhi Lowery makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half41-46Owen Larson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half41-49Elijah Crawford makes 23-foot three point jumper (Sam Silverstein assists)
- 2nd Half44-49Jalen Quinn makes 23-foot three point jumper (Owen Larson assists)
- 2nd Half44-51Mekhi Lowery makes 14-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half44-52Ahmad Henderson II makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half44-53Ahmad Henderson II makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half45-53Jalen Quinn makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-53Jalen Quinn makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-55Rashund Washington Jr. makes 3-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half46-57Rashund Washington Jr. makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half46-60Ahmad Henderson II makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half47-60Griffen Goodbary makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-60Isaiah Carr makes layup (Owen Larson assists)
- 2nd Half49-63Ahmad Henderson II makes 27-foot three point jumper (Mekhi Lowery assists)
- 2nd Half49-65Rashund Washington Jr. makes 1-foot dunk (Elijah Crawford assists)
- 2nd Half49-66Andy Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-67Andy Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-67Griffen Goodbary makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half51-68Elijah Crawford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-70Elijah Crawford makes 19-foot jumper
- 2nd Half51-72Elijah Crawford makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours UIC Flames, below favours Drake Bulldogs.
Venue
- Enterprise CenterSt. Louis, MO
- OfficialsBret Smith, Jeff Campbell, Jeff Malham, Ervin Wilson
Elsewhere
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- 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