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  3. Ill.-Chicago Flames vs Missouri St. Bears
Sun 2:00 PM ET
Ill.-Chicago Flames logo
Ill.-Chicago
Flames59
19-15
versus
Missouri St. Bears logo
Missouri St.
Bears69
16-18
Final
Team12T
Ill.-Chicago Flames312859
Missouri St. Bears363369
NCAAB · Ill.-Chicago Flames at Missouri St. Bears

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Ill.-Chicago Flames vs Missouri St. Bears Betting Picks & Predictions

Game time: March 3, 2024 at 2:00 PM ET

Venue: Great Southern Bank Arena — Springfield, MO

Article updated Mar 3, 6:15 AM EST

Published by SportsJaw Editorial Team

In an upcoming Missouri Valley Conference matchup, the Illinois Chicago Flames with an 11-19 overall record and 4-15 conference record will face off against the Missouri

Game outlook

In an upcoming Missouri Valley Conference matchup, the Illinois Chicago Flames with an 11-19 overall record and 4-15 conference record will face off against the Missouri State Bears, who are 15-15 overall and 7-12 in conference play. Both teams are looking to improve their standing in the conference, with the Flames coming off a tough triple-overtime loss to Drake and the Bears narrowly falling to Illinois State on a buzzer-beater. Missouri State is the betting favorite with a -4.5 opening line that has not moved.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Flames +165 | Bears -197

Spread: Flames +4.5 (-110) | Bears -4.5 (-110)

Total: Over/Under 145 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Missouri St. will win straight-up is 66%.

Ill.-Chicago Flames

The Illinois Chicago Flames are currently navigating a challenging season in the Missouri Valley Conference, striving to find consistency and spark a turnaround. Despite struggling in conference play, the team has showcased determination and resilience, notably seen in a recent triple-overtime loss to Drake. Offensively, the Flames rely on a commendable 3-point shooting percentage of 37.4% to stay competitive in games. However, areas for improvement include free-throw and field goal percentages, as well as rebounding averages. Defensively, the team excels in limiting opponents' 3-point shooting, which could be crucial in close matchups. Key players such as Isaiah Rivera and Toby Okani demonstrate the team's potential to compete at a high level. With a power ranking of 251 and a record of 11-19 this season, the Flames aim to capitalize on their strengths and address areas needing development in pursuit of success. You’ll never forget your first win as a Division I head coach. @CoachYak , congratulations on your first of many victories! It is only fitting that a man who preaches the value of family have his own family by his side on this special day. #BringTheHeat | #FireUpFlames pic.twitter.com/NMgDLkSZ1w

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

Missouri St. Bears Analysis

The Missouri State Bears are currently facing a critical juncture in their season, holding a 15-15 record overall and 7-12 in conference play. A recent close loss to Illinois State exemplifies the team's competitiveness and potential for success, but also highlights areas needing improvement. The team's offense averages 72.1 points per game, with a strong rebounding presence ranking 41st nationally. However, challenges arise in field goal and free-throw percentages, as well as 3-point shooting. Defensively, the Bears allow 72.8 points per game and have room for improvement in defensive efforts, particularly in defending beyond the arc. Alston Mason leads the team in scoring, while N.J. Benson contributes significantly in rebounding and blocks. Despite a .500 record, the Bears show flashes of solid play and have the ability to surprise conference opponents.

Missouri State Bears Primed for Victory Against UIC Flames with Balanced Attack and Dominant Rebounding

The Missouri State Bears appear well-positioned for success against the Illinois Chicago Flames, thanks to their balanced attack and dominant rebounding. With an offensive average of 72.1 points per game and an impressive rebounding average of 35.6 per game, the Bears demonstrate the ability to control the tempo of the game and secure additional scoring opportunities. Alston Mason, Missouri State's leading scorer with 18.1 points per game, and N.J. Benson's strong presence in the paint highlight the team's proficiency on both offense and defense. The Bears' strong performance in important statistical categories, including a national ranking of 41st for defensive rebounding, make them a strong favorite for victory. Particularly when facing the inconsistent UIC team, Missouri State's strengths position them as the clear choice for success in this upcoming matchup.

SportsJawGame Predictions
Predicted score

Unavailable for this preview

Projected winnerUnavailableConfidencelow
Pick on the Spread

Published pick: Unavailable

Pick on the Total

Published pick: Unavailable

#IllChicagoFlames#MissouriStBears

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

Current matchup data

Lines, trends and availability

Line movement since open

  • Moneyline · Ill.-Chicago Flames+165 → +195Moved
  • Moneyline · Missouri St. Bears-197 → -235Moved
  • Spread · Ill.-Chicago Flames+4.5 (-110) → +5.5 (-110)Moved
  • Spread · Missouri St. Bears-4.5 (-110) → -5.5 (-110)Moved
  • Total · Over145 (-110) → 147.5 (-110)Moved
  • Total · Under145 (-110) → 147.5 (-110)Moved

ATS and O/U trends

Ill.-Chicago Flames
19-15 matchup record · 5-4-1 ATS · 5-5-0 O/U
Last 10 completed games on file
Missouri St. Bears
16-18 matchup record · 5-5-0 ATS · 8-2-0 O/U
Last 10 completed games on file

Injuries and availability

From the published research (2024-03-03T11:15:08.023Z). 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

  • 2023-03-02Ill.-Chicago Flames 57 · Missouri St. Bears 74
Final result

Matchup pick recap

Missouri St. Bears defeated Ill.-Chicago Flames 69-59

Missouri St. Bears defeated Ill.-Chicago Flames 69-59 on March 3, 2024, a 10-point decision in the series. Missouri St. Bears' strongest period was the 1st half, when it outscored its opponent 36-31. Against SportsJaw's recorded Ill.-Chicago Flames +5.5 (-110) spread, Missouri St. Bears covered, while the 128 combined points finished under the recorded total of 147.5.

SportsJaw editorial picks

  • Projected winnerNo published selectionUnavailable

Tipster picks

  • CovergirlSpread · Missouri St. Bears -4.5 (-110)Win
  • ThetotalerSpread · Missouri St. Bears -4.5 (-110)Win
  • TjwinsSpread · Ill.-Chicago Flames +4.5 (-110)Loss
  • RainmanSpread · Ill.-Chicago Flames +4.5 (-110)Loss
  • CoversSpread · Missouri St. Bears -4.5 (-110)Win
  • JtmcentireTotal · Over 145 (-110)Loss
  • RoycejacobsSpread · Ill.-Chicago Flames +4.5 (-110)Loss
  • ThinkmakegrowSpread · Missouri St. Bears -4.5 (-110)Win