UIC Flames Edge Illinois State in Overtime Thriller
Saturday, January 10, 2026, 5:00 PM ET · CEFCU Arena
UIC Flames 63, Illinois State Redbirds 59, 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 Illinois State Redbirds?
UIC Flames beat Illinois State Redbirds 63-59 at CEFCU Arena on January 10, 2026.
Who was favored in UIC Flames vs Illinois State Redbirds?
Illinois State Redbirds were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -700 (about 88% implied). The underdog won.
In a gripping overtime showdown, the UIC Flames triumphed over the Illinois State Redbirds with a final score of 63-59. The game, held at the CEFCU Arena, showcased the resilience of the Flames, who improved their record to 8-10 while the Redbirds fell to 12-6. This fixture was particularly noteworthy as it marked a significant turnaround for UIC, who had struggled in recent outings before this victory.
Entering the game, Illinois State had a solid home record of 12-5, with an impressive performance at home, boasting a 6-0 record. However, they were coming off a loss against Valparaiso, which snapped a winning streak that had seen them go 8-2 in their last 10 games. The Redbirds averaged 79.0 points per game while allowing 66.1, indicating a strong offensive presence, although they had recently allowed more than their average in the loss to Valparaiso.
On the other hand, UIC had been battling through a rough patch, holding a 7-10 record and a dismal away record of 0-5. Before this game, they had lost eight of their last ten, but they managed to secure a win against Southern Illinois in their previous game, which may have provided a much-needed boost in confidence. UIC averaged 72.4 points per game but had been allowing 73.4, highlighting their defensive struggles.
The matchup was also intriguing due to the recent history between the two teams. In their last two meetings, each team had secured a victory, with Illinois State winning a close contest 81-79 earlier in the season and UIC taking a previous game 73-67. This history added an extra layer of competitiveness to the fixture.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but both teams were likely to be fielding their best available players, given the stakes of the game. The market had set the odds with Illinois State favored at -10.5 according to DraftKings, indicating expectations of a strong performance from the Redbirds. The total for the game was set at 141.5, reflecting an anticipated competitive scoring environment.
Conditions in the arena were typical for a basketball game, with a charged atmosphere as fans rallied behind their teams. As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a display of tenacity from both sides, but it was UIC who ultimately capitalized on critical moments in overtime.
The overtime period saw pivotal scoring plays that turned the tide for UIC. Elijah Crawford initiated the scoring in overtime with a turnaround jump shot, followed closely by a layup from Mekhi Lowery. Illinois State fought back with a three-pointer from Ty Pence, but UIC maintained their lead with free throws from Andy Johnson and Lowery, sealing the victory.
This game not only highlights the unpredictability of college basketball but also underscores the importance of momentum and resilience, particularly for UIC, who will look to build on this victory moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ILST -10.5 | 141.5 o -108 / u -112 | UIC Flames +500 · Illinois State Redbirds -700 |
Leaders
- PointsMason Klabo15Illinois State Redbirds
- AssistsJohnny Kinziger5Illinois State Redbirds
- ReboundsChase Walker10Illinois State Redbirds
- PointsAbdul Momoh15UIC Flames
- AssistsAndy Johnson3UIC Flames
- ReboundsSam Silverstein9UIC Flames
Recent form
Illinois State Redbirds
Last 10: 8-2Streak L179 scored · 66.1 allowed per game6-0 at home
- L71-77at Valparaiso BeaconsJan 8
- W73-47vs Evansville Purple AcesJan 1
- W73-56at Drake BulldogsDec 30
- W85-65vs Indiana State SycamoresDec 21
- W75-68at Southern Illinois SalukisDec 19
- L78-83at Utah State AggiesDec 13
- W95-53vs Chicago State CougarsDec 7
- W89-78vs Eastern Kentucky ColonelsDec 4
- W72-65vs Furman PaladinsNov 28
- W79-69vs Charlotte 49ersNov 27
UIC Flames
Last 10: 2-8Streak W172.4 scored · 73.4 allowed per game0-5 away
- 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
- L62-63vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden LionsDec 3
- L74-88at Robert Morris ColonialsNov 26
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 | Illinois State Redbirds |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-61 | 17-62 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 27 |
| Three-pointers | 3-14 | 8-35 |
| Three-point % | 21 | 23 |
| Free throws | 10-11 | 17-22 |
| Free throw % | 91 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 44 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 32 | 24 |
| Assists | 9 | 15 |
| Steals | 6 | 7 |
| Blocks | 1 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 0 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 18 |
| Fouls | 20 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 52 | 13 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half28-25Elijah Crawford makes 7-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half28-28Ty'Reek Coleman makes 24-foot three point jumper (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half28-30Ty Pence makes 1-foot dunk (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half30-30Ahmad Henderson II makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half32-30Andy Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half32-31Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half32-32Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half32-35Mason Klabo makes 25-foot three point jumper (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half32-37Ty Pence makes driving layup (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half32-39Mason Klabo makes layup (Boden Skunberg assists)
- 2nd Half34-39Abdul Momoh makes layup
- 2nd Half35-39Josiah Hammons makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half36-39Josiah Hammons makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half38-39Abdul Momoh makes layup (Josiah Hammons assists)
- 2nd Half40-39Abdul Momoh makes 2-foot hook shot (Sam Silverstein assists)
- 2nd Half43-39Josiah Hammons makes 24-foot three point jumper (Andy Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half43-40Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-41Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-41Abdul Momoh makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Elijah Crawford assists)
- 2nd Half45-43Boden Skunberg makes layup (Brandon Lieb assists)
- 2nd Half47-43Andy Johnson makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half47-45Ty Pence makes 7-foot floating jump shot (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half47-46Ty'Reek Coleman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-46Abdul Momoh makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half49-49Boden Skunberg makes 23-foot three point jumper (Mason Klabo assists)
- 2nd Half51-49Abdul Momoh makes 2-foot dunk (Sam Silverstein assists)
- 2nd Half51-50Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-51Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT51-52Chase Walker makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT51-53Chase Walker makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT53-53Mekhi Lowery makes 6-foot floating jump shot (Andy Johnson assists)
- OT55-53Elijah Crawford makes driving layup
- OT57-53Elijah Crawford makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
- OT59-53Mekhi Lowery makes layup
- OT59-56Ty Pence makes 23-foot three point jumper (Chase Walker assists)
- OT60-56Andy Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT61-56Andy Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT61-59Mason Klabo makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ty Pence assists)
- OT62-59Mekhi Lowery makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT63-59Mekhi Lowery makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Illinois State Redbirds, below favours UIC Flames.
Venue
- CEFCU ArenaNormal, IL
- Attendance4859
- OfficialsJohn Hendricks, Cody Crum, Wesley Ford
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