Valparaiso looks to cover the Crusaders-Flames pointspread on Saturday and improve its overall 10-3 mark when they host Illinois-Chicago in college basketball betting action.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Illinois-Chicago Flames opened as 26.5-point underdogs in this one at most sportsbooks tracked at Odds Shark, including Sportsbook. The total was set to open a bit later (check out Sportsbook for the latest situation).
Illinois-Chicago Flames vs Valparaiso Crusaders Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The 10-3 and 5-6 ATS Valparaiso Crusaders will face the 2-9 Illinois-Chicago Flames, who own a 3-7 ATS mark on the season. In totals betting, the Valparaiso Crusaders are 4-7 on the OVER/UNDER so far this season while the Illinois-Chicago Flames are 3-7.
The power rankings show a disparity between these teams, with the Valparaiso Crusaders rated this week at No. 32 and the Illinois-Chicago Flames sitting at No. 317.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Valparaiso's No. 170-ranked offense, averaging 72.15 PPG, against a Flames defense that ranks No. 209 at 76 PPG. The Crusaders field goal percentage has averaged 43.24% so far, more than the Flames marksmen have achieved on the year, 38.39% per game.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Dikembe Dixson scored 28 points for Illinois-Chicago on Tuesday, but the Huskies managed a 70-65 victory over the Flames at UIC Pavilion.
The Crusaders endured a 85-81 loss at the hands of the Bruins on Monday, despite a 19-point effort from Shane Hammink at Curb Event Center.
- Illinois-Chicago is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
- Illinois-Chicago is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
- Illinois-Chicago is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
- The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Illinois-Chicago's last 9 games on the road
- Valparaiso is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
- Valparaiso is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
- Valparaiso is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Illinois-Chicago
- Valparaiso is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Illinois-Chicago
Next Betting Matchups
Illinois-Chicago at Detroit, Friday, January 8th
Valparaiso at Oakland, Friday, January 8th
