UIC Flames Defeat Southern Illinois Salukis 70-57
Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Credit Union 1 Arena
UIC Flames 70, Southern Illinois Salukis 57, 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 Southern Illinois Salukis vs UIC Flames?
UIC Flames beat Southern Illinois Salukis 70-57 at Credit Union 1 Arena on January 7, 2026.
Who was favored in Southern Illinois Salukis vs UIC Flames?
Southern Illinois Salukis were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -122 (about 55% implied). The underdog won.
In a decisive matchup at the Credit Union 1 Arena, the UIC Flames secured a 70-57 victory over the Southern Illinois Salukis. This win marks a significant turnaround for the Flames, who had been struggling in recent games, highlighted by their previous record of 2-8 over the last ten contests. The Flames had been on a two-game losing streak before this game, while the Salukis entered with a more balanced record of 5-5 in their last ten games, riding a two-game winning streak.
The Flames' recent form showed an average of 73.8 points scored per game and 75.0 points allowed, indicating a need for defensive improvement. Their home record stood at 2-3, and they had been particularly challenged in away games, going 0-5. In contrast, the Salukis had an away record of 2-4 and averaged 74.6 points scored against 73.9 points allowed in their last ten games. This disparity in form made the matchup intriguing, as both teams were looking to improve their standings in the league.
Historically, the Flames had struggled against the Salukis, having lost both previous meetings in the 2025 season, with scores of 67-79 and 85-89. This context added an extra layer of motivation for UIC as they aimed to break the trend.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any key players missing for either team, which meant both squads were likely at full strength for this crucial game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Salukis favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 146.5. The odds indicated a competitive matchup, reflecting the close nature of the teams' performances leading into the game. The home moneyline for UIC was set at +102, while Southern Illinois was at -122, suggesting that the Salukis were expected to edge out the Flames, but the odds were tight enough to indicate uncertainty.
As the game unfolded, the Flames took control early and maintained a lead throughout. Key scoring plays in the second half included contributions from Elijah Crawford, who made crucial free throws to extend the lead, and a series of jump shots that kept the Salukis at bay. The Flames' defense also stepped up, limiting the Salukis' scoring opportunities and forcing them into difficult shots.
The conditions in the arena were favorable for basketball, with a supportive home crowd that energized the Flames. This atmosphere likely played a role in UIC's performance, allowing them to capitalize on their home-court advantage.
Viewers should have noted the Flames' ability to execute their game plan effectively, particularly in the second half, where they outscored the Salukis significantly. The final score of 70-57 not only reflects the Flames' strong performance but also highlights their potential to turn around their season after a challenging stretch.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SIU -1.5 | 146.5 o -112 / u -108 | Southern Illinois Salukis -122 · UIC Flames +102 |
Leaders
- PointsAndy Johnson14UIC Flames
- AssistsElijah Crawford5UIC Flames
- ReboundsMekhi Lowery9UIC Flames
- PointsDamien Mayo Jr.17Southern Illinois Salukis
- AssistsDamien Mayo Jr.5Southern Illinois Salukis
- ReboundsPrince Aligbe5Southern Illinois Salukis
Recent form
UIC Flames
Last 10: 2-8Streak L273.8 scored · 75 allowed per game2-3 at home
- 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
- L62-63vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden LionsDec 3
- L74-88at Robert Morris ColonialsNov 26
- W84-73vs Southern Indiana Screaming EaglesNov 22
Southern Illinois Salukis
Last 10: 5-5Streak W274.6 scored · 73.9 allowed per game2-4 away
- W68-67at Belmont BruinsJan 4
- W75-70vs Valparaiso BeaconsJan 1
- L81-84at Murray State RacersDec 30
- L69-73at Bradley BravesDec 21
- L68-75vs Illinois State RedbirdsDec 19
- L84-93at Richmond SpidersDec 13
- W83-54vs UT Martin SkyhawksDec 11
- W86-84at High Point PanthersDec 4
- W74-65vs Little Rock TrojansNov 30
- L58-74at Memphis TigersNov 27
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 | Southern Illinois Salukis | UIC Flames |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-53 | 25-60 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 5-17 | 6-18 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 33 |
| Free throws | 2-4 | 14-22 |
| Free throw % | 50 | 64 |
| Rebounds | 27 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 5 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 24 |
| Assists | 22 | 20 |
| Steals | 5 | 7 |
| Blocks | 11 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 3 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 32 |
| Fouls | 18 | 9 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 18 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 10 | 88 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half19-29Jorge Moreno makes 6-foot hook shot (Damien Mayo Jr. assists)
- 1st Half21-29Damien Mayo Jr. makes layup (Jalen Haynes assists)
- 1st Half21-30Ahmad Henderson II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half21-31Ahmad Henderson II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half21-34Andy Johnson makes 27-foot three point jumper (Rashund Washington Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half23-34Rolyns Aligbe makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Quel'Ron House assists)
- 2nd Half23-36Ahmad Henderson II makes driving layup (Andy Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half23-38Andy Johnson makes 18-foot pullup jump shot (Jayce Nathaniel assists)
- 2nd Half25-38Jorge Moreno makes layup (Quel'Ron House assists)
- 2nd Half25-40Andy Johnson makes layup (Mekhi Lowery assists)
- 2nd Half27-40Damien Mayo Jr. makes layup (Drew Steffe assists)
- 2nd Half27-42Mekhi Lowery makes 9-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half27-43Elijah Crawford makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half27-45Mekhi Lowery makes 2-foot dunk (Abdul Momoh assists)
- 2nd Half30-45Jalen Haynes makes 24-foot three point jumper (Damien Mayo Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half30-47Abdul Momoh makes layup (Mekhi Lowery assists)
- 2nd Half32-47Davion Sykes makes 5-foot floating jump shot (Rolyns Aligbe assists)
- 2nd Half34-47Jalen Haynes makes 1-foot dunk (Damien Mayo Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half36-47Damien Mayo Jr. makes layup (Isaiah Stafford assists)
- 2nd Half36-50Rashund Washington Jr. makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot (Elijah Crawford assists)
- 2nd Half39-50Damien Mayo Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Isaiah Stafford assists)
- 2nd Half41-50Damien Mayo Jr. makes layup (Rolyns Aligbe assists)
- 2nd Half41-53Elijah Crawford makes 23-foot three point jumper (Abdul Momoh assists)
- 2nd Half43-53Damien Mayo Jr. makes 13-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half43-55Jayce Nathaniel makes layup (Elijah Crawford assists)
- 2nd Half45-55Isaiah Stafford makes 20-foot jumper (Damien Mayo Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half45-57Abdul Momoh makes 2-foot hook shot (Ahmad Henderson II assists)
- 2nd Half46-57Max Pikaar makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-57Max Pikaar makes 25-foot three point jumper (Drew Steffe assists)
- 2nd Half49-59Mekhi Lowery makes 2-foot dunk (Andy Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half49-60Mekhi Lowery makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half52-60Isaiah Stafford makes 25-foot three point jumper (Quel'Ron House assists)
- 2nd Half52-62Ahmad Henderson II makes 18-foot pullup jump shot (Mekhi Lowery assists)
- 2nd Half55-62Drew Steffe makes 24-foot three point jumper (Isaiah Stafford assists)
- 2nd Half57-62Damien Mayo Jr. makes 8-foot floating jump shot (Drew Steffe assists)
- 2nd Half57-64Sam Silverstein makes layup (Andy Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half57-66Andy Johnson makes 20-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half57-68Elijah Crawford makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-69Elijah Crawford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-70Elijah Crawford makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours UIC Flames, below favours Southern Illinois Salukis.
Venue
- Credit Union 1 ArenaChicago, IL
- Attendance778
- OfficialsJeff Malham, Antinio Petty, Gary Maxwell
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