UIC FLAMES @ SMC

A first-ever Division I meeting—and UIC’s first road test

UIC and Saint Mary’s have never met at the Division I level, and the Flames enter Moraga at 2-0.

UIC has shared the scoring load

In UIC’s 82-72 win over UNC Greensboro, seven players scored at least seven points and four reached double figures; Rashund Washington Jr. led with 17, while Gabe Cupps and Benny Gealer scored 14 apiece.

Saint Mary’s has multiple recent scoring threats

Against Nevada, Joshua Dent scored 30, Mantas Juzenas 24 and Jeremy Dent-Smith 20.

The Gaels have protected possession

Saint Mary’s committed 10 turnovers against Nevada and won the turnover battle in each of its first three games; UIC forced 13 turnovers in its win over Robert Morris.

Moraga has been a tough venue

Saint Mary’s went 17-0 at home last season.

Pick Ideas

Angles drawn from the matchup analysis above and refreshed as the news changes. They are a separate read from the LineCrush pick for this matchup, so the two can land on different sides.

UIC plus the points at a better number

Consider UIC +6 if available; otherwise, avoid laying extra juice at +5.5 as the consensus spread has moved from Saint Mary’s -4.5 toward -5.5.

Pass on the full-game total

At roughly 152.5, pass on the full-game total because the early-season sample is small and late-game margin could affect pace and scoring.