- Matchup: UIC Flames vs California Golden Bears
- Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
- Venue: Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA
- Broadcast: ESPN2
- Betting Odds: California favored by 4 points
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In an exciting NIT matchup, the California Golden Bears (21-11) will face off against the UIC Flames (19-15) at Haas Pavilion. UIC enters this game as 4-point underdogs, with an over/under set at 149 points.
In their previous clash, UIC Flames faced a disappointing defeat against UNI, losing 84-69. The Flames had a field goal percentage of 43.5%, making 27 of 62 shots and 6 of 17 from three-point range. They did excel at the free throw line, converting all 9 attempts for a perfect 100%. On the boards, UIC secured 19 rebounds, including 9 offensive boards, and recorded 13 assists. They also forced 8 turnovers from the opposition while earning 5 steals. Defensively, the Flames struggled, allowing their opponent to shoot an impressive 63.3% from the field, with UNI dishing out 25 assists and grabbing 25 rebounds (7 offensive, 18 defensive). UIC ended up committing 14 personal fouls, matching UNI’s total.
Elijah Crawford emerged as a standout player for UIC, achieving a 44.8% shooting accuracy. He logged 34 minutes on the court, contributing 28 points on 13 of 29 shooting, along with 5 assists and 4 rebounds.
The Flames arrive at this game with a 19-15 record. They average 12.0 turnovers per game and commit 16.8 personal fouls. UIC averages 36.4 rebounds per game and has a total of 493 assists for the season, ranking 106th nationally in assists. Their three-point shooting sits at 32.3% (211 of 654), and they convert 73.0% at the free throw line. Offensively, UIC averages 75.5 points per game (ranked 182nd in Division 1) with a field goal percentage of 45.5%.
Defensively, the Flames force an average of 13.6 turnovers per game while committing 18.2 fouls. They limit opponents to 32.9% shooting from three-point range and rank 73rd in points allowed per game (70.0). UIC has a field goal percentage defense of 42.4% (811 of 1,914) while conceding 32.5 rebounds per game, ranking poorly in college basketball for opponent assists allowed with a total of 536 this season.
In their last outing, the California Golden Bears experienced a heart-wrenching loss against Florida State, with a final score of 95-89. On the rebounding front, California allowed Florida State to pull down 26 rebounds (6 offensive). The Golden Bears shot 46.4% from beyond the arc, making 13 of 28 attempts, and converted 12 of 19 free throws (63.2%). Florida State managed to shoot 57.4% overall, sinking 35 of 61 attempts. California shot 50.8% on the night, connecting on 31 of 61 and converting 11 of 27 three-point shots (40.7%). The Golden Bears went to the charity stripe 24 times thanks to 19 personal fouls committed by Florida State. They turned the ball over 12 times and achieved 3 steals, while collecting a total of 35 rebounds (22 defensive and 13 offensive).
Dai Dai Ames was pivotal for California, scoring 27 points in 37 minutes of play, with 1 assist and 4 rebounds, shooting at a rate of 50.0% (9 of 18).
The Golden Bears stand at 21-11 for the season, committing an average of 18.8 fouls per game and hitting 77.9% from the free throw line. They provide 13.7 assists per game (ranked 192nd in the nation) while turning the ball over 10.3 times. California has scored a total of 2,492 points this season (averaging 77.9 per game) and pulls in 34.8 rebounds per contest. Their overall field goal percentage is 44.3%, ranking 236th in the country.
The California defense ranks 161st in points allowed per game (73.3), forcing 11.5 turnovers while permitting opposing teams to shoot 43.3% (ranked 122nd nationally). Their opponents shoot 31.3% from three-point range (245 of 784) and make 66.0% of their free throw attempts. California surrenders an average of 14.3 assists and 36.7 rebounds per game, ranking 257th and 309th respectively in college basketball.
Who will prevail in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Bet on California (-4)
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