Wednesday, November 18th, 7:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Rose Center (5,200) -- Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Television: None. Home Record: UIC 1-0, CMU 1-1. Away Record: UIC 0-0, CMU 0-0. Neutral Record: UIC 0-0, CMU 0-0. Conference Record: UIC 0-0, CMU 0-0. Series Record: Series tied, 3-3.

GAME NOTES: The Central Michigan Chippewas will host their third consecutive game of the season when they invite the Illinois-Chicago Flames to the Rose Center this evening.

The Flames opened their new campaign with a solid showing against Illinois- Springfield, as the team posted a 72-59 victory. UIC is coming off a mediocre season in which the team finished with a 16-15 record, which included an 8-8 mark on the road.

As for the Chippewas, they began their season with a tough, 71-68 setback to Princeton at home. However, the team rebounded with an 82-69 decision over Ferris State on Monday. With a victory this evening the Chippewas will have a record above .500 for the first time since the 2006-07 season.

This series is all knotted up at three games apiece. However, the Flames have gotten the better of CMU of late, winning the last three matchups.

The Flames were not overwhelming in their opener, but the team did what it could to grab a win over UIS. Illinois-Chicago shot 45.3 percent from the field, but connected on just 5-of-19 attempts from long range. Zavion Neely led the way with 19 points in the win, while Robo Kreps added 16 points and a team-high six assists. Kreps is the top returning scorer from last season, as the guard posted 12.3 ppg a year ago. K.C. Robbins was also vital to the team's success in the opener, as the big man tallied a double-double of 12 points and 13 rebounds. Robbins will have to continue to perform at this pace as the team is looking for a consistent threat in the post.

After struggling with consistency in the loss to Princeton, the Chippewas put forth a slightly better effort against Ferris State. CMU shot a respectable 47.5 percent from the field in the win, but the team connected on just 6-of-19 attempts from long range, and also had trouble from the foul line, netting just 18-of-28 chances. Robbie Harman led six different players in double- figures, as the guard posted 18 points to go along with five assists and seven steals. Mark Spica added 13 points off the bench, while Finis Craddock, Chris Kellerman and Jordan Bitzer each contributed 11 points apiece. Jalin Thomas added a double-double for good measure as the forward chipped in with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Kellerman is the top threat in the paint, but if Spica and Thomas can continue to produce on a consistent basis then the Chippewas could have a dangerous frontcourt.

The Chippewas have not been overly impressive, but the team has the talent and leadership to play at a much higher level. Look for the inside game of CMU to cause trouble for UIC, as the Chippewas will likely extinguish the Flames in this matchup.

Predicted Outcome

Central Michigan 79, Illinois-Chicago 71