#685 ASA PLAY ON 8* Illinois Chicago +3.5 over Northern Kentucky, Saturday at 5 PM ET - These 2 played last night with NKU coming out on top 72-68. The host made 20 FT’s to UIC’s 9 which turned out to be the difference in the game. The Flames absolutely dominated the boards 40 to 27 including 14 offensive rebounds but they shot just 38% for the game. The Hilltoppers are a poor rebounding team (328th in defensive rebounding) and one of the smallest teams in the country. We full expect Illinois Chicago to dominated the boards again on Saturday. Northern KY is one of the worst 3 points shooting teams in the nation and they were off from deep on Friday making 4 of 14 vs a UIC defense that allows just 26% from beyond the arc (6th best nationally). On Saturday we expect the Hilltoppers to struggle again from deep as they have for much of the season and if they don’t have a huge edge at the FT line, the Flames will have a great shot to win this game outright. After last night’s win, NKU is now 6-5 in Horizon League play and all of their wins prior to last night game against teams rated in the bottom 4 of the conference. We feel the Flames are a bit undervalued as they are now at full strength after playing 4 of their 9 Horizon League games without their top big man Bridges (10 PPG & 5 RPG). He’s back to full strength and we like UIC to win this game in quick revenge mode after losing a tight one last night. Take the points.