UIC Flames Dominate Evansville Purple Aces 84-46
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Ford Center
UIC Flames 84, Evansville Purple Aces 46, 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 UIC Flames vs Evansville Purple Aces?
UIC Flames beat Evansville Purple Aces 84-46 at Ford Center on February 18, 2026.
Who was favored in UIC Flames vs Evansville Purple Aces?
UIC Flames were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -395 (about 80% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the UIC Flames overwhelmed the Evansville Purple Aces with a final score of 84-46 at the Ford Center. This game showcased the Flames' strong performance as they continue to build momentum in their season, while the Purple Aces struggled to find their footing. The Flames entered the game with a record of 16-12, having won eight of their last ten games, and they extended their winning streak to three with this victory. In contrast, the Purple Aces, with a record of 6-21, have only managed to win two of their last ten games, and this loss marked their second consecutive defeat.
UIC's recent form has been impressive, averaging 74.7 points per game while allowing 66.2 points over their last ten outings. Their last five games have seen them score an average of 73.4 points, which indicates a consistent offensive output. In their most recent game prior to facing Evansville, the Flames defeated Illinois State 83-56, further establishing their capability to dominate opponents. Conversely, Evansville has struggled significantly, averaging just 61.8 points per game while allowing 71.2 points during their last ten games. Their last five games have been particularly challenging, with an average score of 65.8 points for and 78.2 points against.
The home and away records reflect the contrasting fortunes of both teams. The Flames have a solid away record of 4-1, while the Purple Aces have struggled on their home court with a record of 1-2 in their last three home games. This game was crucial for both teams, but especially for UIC, who sought to capitalize on their strong form and maintain their position in the standings.
Historically, the Flames have had the upper hand in their recent meetings with the Purple Aces, winning all three encounters this season and last. In their previous match on January 21, 2026, UIC defeated Evansville 76-49. This trend continued in this latest matchup, where UIC's dominance was evident throughout the game.
In terms of injuries, no specific details were provided in the block, but both teams were expected to field their regular lineups. The absence of key players can often influence the outcome of games, but in this case, both teams appeared to be at full strength.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had UIC favored by 8.5 points, with a total set at 140.5. The odds reflected the expectations of a comfortable victory for the Flames, which they certainly delivered. The spread and total suggest that the market anticipated a significant scoring output from UIC, which they achieved.
Conditions in the arena were typical for a college basketball game, with fans in attendance to support their teams. The atmosphere at the Ford Center was charged, but it was clear that the Flames were in control from the outset. UIC's ability to execute their game plan effectively was a key factor in their victory.
As the game progressed, viewers witnessed a series of scoring plays that highlighted UIC's offensive prowess. Notable moments included Ante Beljan's strong performance, contributing significantly to the Flames' scoring with multiple layups and a dunk. Ahmad Henderson II also made an impact with a long three-pointer, showcasing the Flames' ability to stretch the floor and create scoring opportunities.
Overall, this game served as a reminder of the disparities between the two teams this season. UIC's strong showing solidified their position as a competitive force in the league, while Evansville continues to search for answers as they navigate a challenging season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UIC -8.5 | 140.5 o -105 / u -115 | UIC Flames -395 · Evansville Purple Aces +310 |
Leaders
- PointsTrent Hundley12Evansville Purple Aces
- AssistsBryce Quinet4Evansville Purple Aces
- ReboundsJoshua Hughes6Evansville Purple Aces
- PointsAndy Johnson17UIC Flames
- AssistsElijah Crawford10UIC Flames
- ReboundsAndy Johnson7UIC Flames
Recent form
Evansville Purple Aces
Last 10: 2-7-1Streak L161.8 scored · 71.2 allowed per game1-2 at home
- L60-86at Southern Illinois SalukisFeb 13
- W88-80vs Illinois State RedbirdsFeb 10
- L63-70at Valparaiso BeaconsFeb 7
- L63-84vs Indiana State SycamoresFeb 4
- L55-71at Northern Iowa PanthersJan 31
- L78-82at Drake BulldogsJan 29
- D0-0vs Southern Illinois SalukisJan 25
- L49-76at UIC FlamesJan 21
- L90-94vs Bradley BravesJan 14
- W72-69at Indiana State SycamoresJan 10
UIC Flames
Last 10: 8-2Streak W274.7 scored · 66.2 allowed per game4-1 away
- 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
- W76-74vs Indiana State SycamoresJan 28
- W85-70at Bradley BravesJan 25
- W76-49vs Evansville Purple AcesJan 21
- W74-67vs Drake BulldogsJan 17
- W69-61at Northern Iowa PanthersJan 14
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 | UIC Flames | Evansville Purple Aces |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 32-60 | 17-52 |
| Field goal % | 53 | 33 |
| Three-pointers | 16-27 | 7-32 |
| Three-point % | 59 | 22 |
| Free throws | 4-5 | 5-8 |
| Free throw % | 80 | 63 |
| Rebounds | 43 | 23 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 17 |
| Assists | 26 | 14 |
| Steals | 8 | 5 |
| Blocks | 2 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 20 |
| Fouls | 10 | 10 |
| Largest lead | 38 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 97 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half27-17Elijah Crawford makes 8-foot jumper (Mekhi Lowery assists)
- 1st Half28-17Elijah Crawford makes free throw 1 of 1
- 1st Half28-20Alex Hemenway makes 23-foot three point jumper (Leif Moeller assists)
- 1st Half30-20Mekhi Lowery makes 5-foot jumper
- 1st Half30-23Trent Hundley makes 25-foot three point jumper (Bryce Quinet assists)
- 1st Half31-23Mekhi Lowery makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half33-23Abdul Momoh makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Elijah Crawford assists)
- 1st Half35-23Mekhi Lowery makes layup
- 1st Half38-23Josiah Hammons makes 24-foot three point jumper (Elijah Crawford assists)
- 2nd Half41-23Elijah Crawford makes 25-foot three point jumper (Andy Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half44-23Andy Johnson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Mekhi Lowery assists)
- 2nd Half47-23Andy Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Elijah Crawford assists)
- 2nd Half47-25Alex Hemenway makes layup (Bryce Quinet assists)
- 2nd Half49-25Rashund Washington Jr. makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Elijah Crawford assists)
- 2nd Half49-27AJ Casey makes layup (Bryce Quinet assists)
- 2nd Half52-27Ahmad Henderson II makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jayce Nathaniel assists)
- 2nd Half52-28Joshua Hughes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-29Joshua Hughes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-29Ahmad Henderson II makes layup
- 2nd Half54-31Joshua Hughes makes layup (Leif Moeller assists)
- 2nd Half55-31Josiah Hammons makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-31Josiah Hammons makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-34Trent Hundley makes 28-foot three point jumper (Kaia Berridge assists)
- 2nd Half59-34Andy Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Mekhi Lowery assists)
- 2nd Half62-34Andy Johnson makes 29-foot three point jumper (Elijah Crawford assists)
- 2nd Half65-34Rashund Washington Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Elijah Crawford assists)
- 2nd Half65-35Joshua Hughes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-35Andy Johnson makes 11-foot jumper (Abdul Momoh assists)
- 2nd Half67-38Leif Moeller makes 24-foot three point jumper (Trent Hundley assists)
- 2nd Half69-38Abdul Momoh makes 3-foot dunk (Elijah Crawford assists)
- 2nd Half72-38Andy Johnson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Elijah Crawford assists)
- 2nd Half72-40Leif Moeller makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half74-40Ante Beljan makes 4-foot dunk (Sam Silverstein assists)
- 2nd Half74-42Joshua Hughes makes layup (Trent Hundley assists)
- 2nd Half76-42Ante Beljan makes layup
- 2nd Half79-42Ahmad Henderson II makes 25-foot three point jumper (Sam Silverstein assists)
- 2nd Half79-44Leif Moeller makes layup
- 2nd Half81-44Ante Beljan makes layup (Ahmad Henderson II assists)
- 2nd Half81-46Joshua Hughes makes layup (Bryce Quinet assists)
- 2nd Half84-46Sam Silverstein makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ahmad Henderson II assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Evansville Purple Aces, below favours UIC Flames.
Venue
- Ford CenterEvansville, IN
- Attendance4215
- OfficialsRandy Heimerman, Jeff Malham, Ervin Wilson
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
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- UIC Flames Dominate Evansville Purple Aces 76-49Jan 20, 2026