Western Illinois at Illinois Chicago

Illinois-Chicago enjoyed some moments in the NCAA Tournament, but none recently as they have finished below .500 in each of their last six seasons and hit bottom last year finishing at just a dismal 1-15 in Horizon play. The Flames should be better with some functional returning peices as well as three JUCO transfers, and three freshman will stock the rotation with better options. Western Illinois slipped big last year after a pair of post-season appearances. Western Illinois has really struggled at the offensive end as they produced just 61.3 points per game a year ago, and a lot of questions as to how much more production the roster will be able to put out this season. The quick answer is none early, and maybe some improvement as they get used to a new system with a new coach, but early on they will struggle. Play on Illinois-Chicago.