UIC Flames face UAB Blazers in NIT matchup

UIC Flames will play the UAB Blazers in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) on Friday at 8 p.m. EDT in Chicago. The Flames have a record of 14-17, with a balanced performance in their conference, going 11-11 in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC). UAB Blazers come into the game with a 16-15 record, which includes a 7-12 mark in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). The Blazers have been strong in close games, winning all four that were decided by one possession. UIC has been shooting well this season, hitting 43.1% of their shots. This is higher than what UAB has allowed its opponents, who have shot 39.0%. Conversely, UAB’s scoring is lower than UIC’s defensive average. UAB shoots 41.4%, which is less than the 43.9% that UIC allows. Key players to watch include Makiyah Williams from UIC, averaging 9.7 points per game, and Keke Rimmer, who has 12.7 points and 7.8 rebounds in the last ten games. For UAB, Jade Weathersby is a standout with 11.2 points and 9.4 rebounds. In their last ten games, UIC has gone 5-5, scoring an average of 66.3 points per game. UAB, however, has struggled with a record of 2-8, scoring just 62.2 points per game.