Evansville vs Illinois-Chicago Basketball Prediction and Preview for Rockford Showdown
Introduction
On July 24th, the Evansville Purple Aces will take on the Illinois-Chicago Flames in a non-conference college basketball matchup in Rockford, Illinois. This early season game will feature two teams looking to build momentum and get a quality win before heading into conference play later in the year.
Previewing Evansville
The Purple Aces are coming off a 9-21 record last season, including a 5-13 mark in Missouri Valley Conference play. It was a rebuilding year for head coach Todd Lickliter, who is entering his third season trying to turn around the fortunes of the program.
Evansville brought in several new faces through the transfer portal, including guards Kenny Strawbridge (St. Peter's) and Antoine Smith Jr. (Missouri-Kansas City). Those two will pair with returners Blaise Beauchamp and Yacine Toumi to form a backcourt that has more depth and athleticism.
Up front, the Purple Aces have good size and experience. Senior big men Gage Bobe and Shamar Givance are looking to improve on last year's production and give Evansville an inside presence on both ends of the floor.
With a tough non-conference schedule, Evansville needs to take advantage of winnable games like this one against Illinois-Chicago. Picking up an early resume-boosting victory would do wonders for the confidence of this young squad.
Keys to the Game for Evansville
- Get out in transition - The Purple Aces have the guard play to push the tempo and get easy baskets before the defense sets up.
- Establish the paint - Offensive rebounds and post feeds to Bobe/Givance need to be priorities.
- Defend the arc - Can't let Illinois-Chicago's shooters get hot from outside.
Scouting Illinois-Chicago
The Flames are also looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2021-22 campaign. Head coach Luke Yaklich's team finished 8-15 overall and sixth in the Horizon League at 6-12.
Illinois-Chicago said goodbye to leading scorer Damaria Franklin but returns a solid core group. Senior guards Braelen Bridges and Jace Carter will provide leadership and scoring punch from the backcourt.
UIC added plenty of new talent as well, including junior college transfers in forward Toby Okani and guard Tre Anderson. Okani will provide interior defense and rebounding right away.
For the Flames to take a step forward this year, they'll need their returners and newcomers to mesh well together. This early test against Evansville should give them a good gauge of where they stand.
Keys to the Game for Illinois-Chicago
- Control tempo - Can't get sped up against the athletic Evansville guards.
- Win rebound battle - Okani and company must clean the glass.
- Get bench production - Anderson/others have to contribute.
Prediction
While both programs are looking to bounce back from losing seasons, Evansville seems to have more momentum entering this matchup. The Purple Aces' infusion of transfers should pay dividends immediately. Look for Smith and Strawbridge to push the pace and create easy scoring chances.
Illinois-Chicago will need someone to step up as a go-to scorer after losing Franklin. Bridges is a prime candidate if he can expand his offensive game. In the end, Evansville's athleticism and depth in the backcourt will prove to be too much.
Prediction: Evansville wins 73-68
Final Thoughts
Evansville vs. Illinois-Chicago may not jump off the page, but this July tilt will be a good indicator of what's to come for both squads. Evansville appears to have the edge on paper thanks to an influx of talented transfers. But the Flames are playing at home and could surprise if their returners take a next step forward.
It should be a competitive game between two programs hungry to get back to their winning ways. This will be one of the more intriguing contests on a quiet late July day in Rockford.
FAQs
When is the Evansville vs Illinois-Chicago game?
The game is on July 24th in Rockford, Illinois.
What conference do the Purple Aces play in?
Evansville plays in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Who does Illinois-Chicago lose from last season?
UIC loses its leading scorer Damaria Franklin to graduation.
What is the prediction for the game?
Evansville is predicted to win 73-68 over Illinois-Chicago.
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