SportsJaw
LeaderboardToday's GamesBest BetsLive OddsMake Picks
Login / Sign In
Today's GamesLatest PredictionsToday’s Best BetsLive OddsTeam PredictionsHead-to-Head MatchupsSJ CoinsAbout SportsJawContact UsLogin / Sign In
HomeMatchupsMake PicksLeaders
SportsJaw

The social platform for sports bettors.

Explore SportsJaw

  • Today’s Picks
  • Predictions
  • Best Bets
  • Leaderboard
  • Make Picks
  • Live Odds
  • Team Predictions
  • Head-to-Head
  • Game Briefing

Picks by Sport

  • NFL Picks
  • NCAAF Picks
  • NBA Picks
  • NCAAB Picks
  • MLB Picks
  • NHL Picks

About SportsJaw

  • How It Works
  • SJ Coins
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Contact Us

21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Picks are opinions, not guarantees. Past results do not predict future outcomes.

© 2026 SportsJaw. For entertainment purposes only. SportsJaw does not accept or place wagers.

  1. Home
  2. NCAAB Picks
  3. Drake Bulldogs vs Ill.-Chicago Flames
Wed 3:00 PM ET
Drake Bulldogs logo
Drake
Bulldogs70
14-20
versus
Ill.-Chicago Flames logo
Ill.-Chicago
Flames74
19-15
Final
Team12T
Drake Bulldogs333770
Ill.-Chicago Flames324274
NCAAB · Drake Bulldogs at Ill.-Chicago Flames

Your Picks on Drake vs Ill.-Chicago

Picks closed
Spread
Moneyline
Total

Drake Bulldogs vs Ill.-Chicago Flames Betting Picks & Predictions

Game time: January 1, 2025 at 3:00 PM ET

Venue: Credit Union 1 Arena — Chicago, IL

Article updated Jan 1, 6:14 AM EST

Published by SportsJaw Editorial Team

The undefeated Drake Bulldogs (12-0, 1-0 MVC) are gearing up to take on the Illinois-Chicago (UIC) Flames (8-4, 0-1 MVC) in an exciting matchup scheduled for January 1, 2025,

Game outlook

The undefeated Drake Bulldogs (12-0, 1-0 MVC) are gearing up to take on the Illinois-Chicago (UIC) Flames (8-4, 0-1 MVC) in an exciting matchup scheduled for January 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET. Having demonstrated their dominance early in the season, Drake is looking to maintain their strong performance on the road as they kick off the new year. In their previous encounter last season, Drake narrowly defeated UIC in overtime with a score of 107-105. As the favored team, with the opening line at -7 and the current line at -6.5, all eyes will be on Drake as they strive to extend their winning streak.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Bulldogs -277 | Flames +220

Spread: Bulldogs -6.5 (-110) | Flames +6.5 (-110)

Total: Over/Under 131.5 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Drake will win straight-up is 73%.

Drake Bulldogs

Drake has emerged as a strong contender in college basketball this season, boasting a high KenPom rating and impressive statistics. The Bulldogs' offense has been scoring an average of 73.8 points per game while their defense holds opponents to just 56.2 points, ranking them second in the nation. The team's balanced scoring attack and solid defense have been key to their success, with leading players like Bennett Stirtz and Cam Manyawu making significant contributions. With notable wins over Power-4 teams and a current 12-game winning streak, Drake's performance on the court speaks for itself. The team's offensive and defensive numbers further reinforce their strong standing in college hoops, making them a force to be reckoned with. If you need expert insights on college basketball, Drake is a team to watch.

21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Picks are opinions, not guarantees. Past results do not predict future outcomes.

Ill.-Chicago Flames Analysis

The University of Illinois at Chicago Flames have shown improvement in their basketball performance, currently ranking 191st in the KenPom ratings. They have had a successful stretch of four consecutive wins, with key player Sasa Ciani leading the team in scoring and rebounding. Offensively, the Flames rank 87th in the country, averaging 79.9 points per game and 17 assists per game, while defensively they are ranked 223rd, allowing 72.8 points per game. They have a power ranking of 61 and are ranked 78th in offense and 234th in defense. The Flames have a solid shooting percentage and rebounding numbers, but their defensive statistics could use improvement. If you are looking for assistance with college basketball predictions or analysis, we have the best College Basketball Cappers available.

Drake's Strong Defense Poised to Prevail Against UIC in NCAA Tournament Matchup

Currently ranked 67th by KenPom, Drake appears to be in a strong position to make a return to the NCAA Tournament. Although the UIC Flames have shown proficiency in scoring, they will be met with a tough matchup against Drake's highly rated defense, standing at 41st according to KenPom. While UIC may have the advantage of playing on their home court, it is important to note that a solid defense is a key factor in achieving success regardless of the location. Taking into consideration all these factors, the logical choice would be to favor Drake in this upcoming challenge.

SportsJawGame Predictions
Predicted score

Unavailable for this preview

Projected winnerUnavailableConfidencelow
Pick on the Spread

Published pick: Unavailable

Pick on the Total

Published pick: Unavailable

#DrakeBulldogs#IllChicagoFlames

Share this preview

Facebook X Reddit Email
SportsJaw logo
Written by

SportsJaw Editorial Team

SportsJaw published this archived preview from its original game-day article. Its prediction and quoted lines are preserved as written.

About our editorial process

SportsJaw Bulldogs vs Flames archived game preview contains historical odds and availability that may no longer be current. View history of past Bulldogs vs Flames matchups or learn how our predictions work.

Current matchup data

Lines, trends and availability

Line movement since open

  • Moneyline · Drake Bulldogs-273 → -273Unchanged
  • Moneyline · Ill.-Chicago Flames+220 → +225Moved
  • Spread · Drake Bulldogs-7 (-110) → -6 (-110)Moved
  • Spread · Ill.-Chicago Flames+7 (-110) → +6 (-110)Moved
  • Total · Over132.5 (-110) → 129 (-110)Moved
  • Total · Under132.5 (-110) → 129 (-110)Moved

ATS and O/U trends

Drake Bulldogs
14-20 matchup record · 6-4-0 ATS · 4-6-0 O/U
Last 10 completed games on file
Ill.-Chicago Flames
19-15 matchup record · 6-4-0 ATS · 5-5-0 O/U
Last 10 completed games on file

Injuries and availability

From the published research (2025-01-01T11:14:24.039Z). Availability may have changed; review the cited sources.

No verified injury or availability note was included in the published matchup research.

Recent head-to-head

  • 2024-02-28Drake Bulldogs 107 · Ill.-Chicago Flames 105
Final result

Matchup pick recap

Ill.-Chicago Flames defeated Drake Bulldogs 74-70

Ill.-Chicago Flames defeated Drake Bulldogs 74-70 on January 1, 2025, a 4-point decision in the series. Ill.-Chicago Flames' strongest period was the 2nd half, when it outscored its opponent 42-37. Against SportsJaw's recorded Drake Bulldogs -6 (-110) spread, Ill.-Chicago Flames covered, while the 144 combined points finished over the recorded total of 129.

SportsJaw editorial picks

  • Projected winnerNo published selectionUnavailable

Tipster picks

  • ThinkmakegrowTotal · Over 132.5 (-110)Win
  • CoolioSpread · Ill.-Chicago Flames +6.5 (-110)Win
  • CoolioTotal · Under 131.5 (-110)Loss
  • OddssharkSpread · Ill.-Chicago Flames +6.5 (-110)Win