Illinois-Chicago 11/6 9:00 ESPN+

[swilsonsp4]

I'm sure very few, if any, of us know anything about the UIC Flames, who play in the MVC. Last season, KenPom rated them #301 (of 363 D1 teams). The Flames finished 12-20.

This season, the ranking is #243 out of 362 teams (Hartford dropped to D3). They started with an exhibition two nights ago against Clayton State, a D2 school from Georgia. The Flames led by seven at the half, then pulled away for a 67-44 win. Their on-line fan base sounds familiar to a lot of other schools: "This team is worse than last year ... They play no defense ... Can't handle the press. etc."

There's probably no way to discern the quality of UIC. The Clayton State game certainly won't tell us much. The Lakers went 3-25 last season;

It's a late night affair, following the WBB game that tips at 6:00.

[GoBearcats31]

Here we go!

[Oldtimer_UC_fan]

Here we go!

Where we going?

[GoBearcats31]

UC game notes list the following as probable starters: Thomas, Skillings, Lukosius, Lakhin, Oguama


Obviously, Bandaogo and Reynolds' statuses remain up in the air. Skillings over Newman/Fredrick is a good sign in Skillings' development/hopeful sophomore jump. Newman seems like a solid 6th man and Fredrick would be a great shooter off the bench -- hopefully he is healthy.

[GoBearcats31]

UC favored by 15.5

[swilsonsp4]

UC favored by 15.5

The Cats opened -14.5. Why would anyone except a gambling addict play this game? Who knows at this point how good either team is? The Flames were terrible last year and the Cats have lots of new pieces. I could see scenarios in which UIC keeps it under the spread (but none in which they win) or UC blows their doors off.

We’re an old team in terms of experience. I’m leaning towards beating the spread, while working out the kinks. And, since I’m not a gambling addict, there’s no way I’d plunk down cold, hard cash on this.

[Lobot]

Don't forget before this game, the women take on ranked Louisville at 6:00 . If you need tickets to either game, let me know and I'll get them to you.

[SKell82155]

Was wondering if we’re going to have to endure
ESPN + all year again ? Thought that would
change once in the Big XII ?

[longtimefan]

I think it’s 22 games on ESPN+. I hope it doesn’t suck as bad as it did last year.

[swilsonsp4]

I think it’s 22 games on ESPN+. I hope it doesn’t suck as bad as it did last year.

I rather doubt that the production could be anywhere as bad as it was at Tulane. That was embarrassingly awful.

[Lobot]

Was wondering if we’re going to have to endure
ESPN + all year again ? Thought that would
change once in the Big XII ?

The answer to that is yes. Might as well sign up if you plan to watch games this season.

[SKell82155]

The answer to that is yes. Might as well sign up if you plan to watch games this season.

bummer- thanks !

[leo from jersey]

I'm happy to have anyplace to watch the Cats/ When I was younger, I watched them on local TV. Later, after moving I didn't get to see them. Then I got the direct tv sport package to watch them. Now ESPN +. I am thankful for this. BTW still have the directtv package and perhaps I need to cancel, but I get Bill Dance fishing. Again, I am glad to watch them at my home. Years ago I saw them at Rutgers and Seton Hall in person, but hard to go to BIG 12 arenas.

[GoBearcats31]

Unsurprisingly, Bandaogo and Reynolds are not in uniform tonight

[GoBearcats31]

Starters:

Thomas
Lukosius
Newman
Lakhin
Oguama