NCAAB · Final

Murray State Edges UIC in Close Contest

Thursday, January 1, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Credit Union 1 Arena

Murray State Racers 81, UIC Flames 77, 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 Murray State Racers vs UIC Flames?

Murray State Racers beat UIC Flames 81-77 at Credit Union 1 Arena on January 1, 2026.

Who was favored in Murray State Racers vs UIC Flames?

Murray State Racers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -250 (about 71% implied). The favorite won.

In an exciting NCAAB matchup, the Murray State Racers narrowly defeated the UIC Flames with a final score of 81-77 at the Credit Union 1 Arena. This game showcased Murray State's strong form as they extended their winning streak to seven games, while UIC struggled to find consistency, marking their recent performance with a record of 3-7 in their last ten games.

Murray State entered the game with an impressive away record of 12-3, and they have been particularly dominant in their recent outings, averaging 86.2 points per game while allowing 77.8. Their last ten games reflect a solid performance, with an 8-2 record. In their last five matches, they have scored an average of 89.2 points, demonstrating their offensive prowess. UIC, on the other hand, has had a tougher road, holding a home record of 5-9 and averaging 74.9 points scored against 75.6 allowed in their last ten games. They managed to secure a win against Illinois Tech Scarlet Hawks in their most recent game, winning decisively 102-64, but prior to that, they had lost four straight games.

In terms of head-to-head matchups, the two teams have faced each other twice in the 2025 season, with each team winning one game. UIC won their home game 97-93 on January 16, while Murray State claimed victory in their away game on February 12 with a score of 63-53. This fixture added another chapter to their competitive rivalry.

Injury reports did not indicate any significant absences that affected either team's performance, allowing both squads to field their key players. The market had priced Murray State as 5.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, with a total set at 159.5 points. The odds reflected confidence in Murray State's recent form and their ability to secure a win on the road.

The game conditions were typical for a winter basketball matchup, with both teams adjusting to the indoor environment of the arena. Fans were treated to a display of athleticism and skill, particularly in the second half, where the lead changed hands multiple times. Key moments included a crucial three-point jumper by Javon Jackson that put Murray State ahead 75-73, followed by Mason Miller's tip-in to extend their lead to 77-73.

UIC fought back with a layup from Abdul Momoh, narrowing the gap to 77-75, but Murray State maintained their composure, with Layne Taylor hitting free throws to stretch the lead to 79-75. Despite UIC's efforts, including a late push, they were unable to regain the lead, and Murray State sealed their victory with free throws from JJ Traynor.

Overall, this game highlighted the contrasting fortunes of both teams, with Murray State continuing their strong performance while UIC seeks to find their rhythm as the season progresses.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	MUR -5.5	159.5 o -110 / u -110	Murray State Racers -250 · UIC Flames +205

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsAhmad Henderson II22UIC Flames
AssistsAndy Johnson4UIC Flames
ReboundsMekhi Lowery8UIC Flames
PointsFred King18Murray State Racers
AssistsJavon Jackson4Murray State Racers
ReboundsFred King16Murray State Racers

Recent form

UIC Flames

Last 10: 3-7Streak W174.9 scored · 75.6 allowed per game2-3 at home

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
L62-63vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden LionsDec 3
L74-88at Robert Morris ColonialsNov 26
W84-73vs Southern Indiana Screaming EaglesNov 22
L80-90vs High Point PanthersNov 20
W67-63at Chicago State CougarsNov 15

Murray State Racers

Last 10: 8-2Streak W786.2 scored · 77.8 allowed per game3-2 away

W84-81vs Southern Illinois SalukisDec 30
W85-79at Valparaiso BeaconsDec 21
W81-72vs Drake BulldogsDec 19
W115-100at Akron ZipsDec 13
W81-68vs Bellarmine KnightsDec 6
W84-52vs Morehead State EaglesDec 3
W96-95at George Washington RevolutionariesNov 26
L60-73at McNeese CowboysNov 25
L87-90at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersNov 24
W89-68vs Little Rock TrojansNov 19

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	Murray State Racers	UIC Flames
Field goals	27-67	26-64
Field goal %	40	41
Three-pointers	8-24	4-12
Three-point %	33	33
Free throws	19-22	21-26
Free throw %	86	81
Rebounds	41	42
Offensive rebounds	18	18
Defensive rebounds	23	24
Assists	17	14
Steals	8	8
Blocks	6	4
Turnovers	14	15
Team turnovers	0	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	21	15
Fast-break points	10	9
Points in the paint	36	42
Fouls	19	22
Largest lead	5	6
Lead changes	11	11
Time in front	38	48

How the scoring went

2nd Half51-48Sam Silverstein makes 2-foot dunk (Mekhi Lowery assists)
2nd Half51-49Ahmad Henderson II makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half51-50Ahmad Henderson II makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half51-51Ahmad Henderson II makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half53-51Fred King makes 6-foot hook shot (JJ Traynor assists)
2nd Half53-53Abdul Momoh makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Ahmad Henderson II assists)
2nd Half55-53JJ Traynor makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (KJ Tenner assists)
2nd Half55-55Ahmad Henderson II makes 13-foot floating jump shot
2nd Half55-56Ahmad Henderson II makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half55-58Mekhi Lowery makes 3-foot floating jump shot
2nd Half56-58Mason Miller makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half57-58Mason Miller makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half57-60Jayce Nathaniel makes layup (Mekhi Lowery assists)
2nd Half60-60Mason Miller makes 24-foot three point jumper (Layne Taylor assists)
2nd Half61-60Layne Taylor makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half62-60Layne Taylor makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half62-62Abdul Momoh makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Ahmad Henderson II assists)
2nd Half64-62Brayden Shorter makes 3-foot dunk (Roman Domon assists)
2nd Half64-63Ahmad Henderson II makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half66-63Roman Domon makes layup (Mathis Courbon assists)
2nd Half67-63Roman Domon makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half68-63Roman Domon makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half68-65Ahmad Henderson II makes driving layup
2nd Half68-66Ahmad Henderson II makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half68-68Abdul Momoh makes layup
2nd Half69-68Javon Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half70-68Javon Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half71-68Fred King makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half72-68Fred King makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half72-69Andy Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half72-70Andy Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half72-73Jayce Nathaniel makes 25-foot three point jumper (Andy Johnson assists)
2nd Half75-73Javon Jackson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Layne Taylor assists)
2nd Half77-73Mason Miller makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half77-75Abdul Momoh makes layup (Andy Johnson assists)
2nd Half78-75Layne Taylor makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half79-75Layne Taylor makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half79-77Andy Johnson makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half80-77JJ Traynor makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half81-77JJ Traynor makes free throw 2 of 2