The Northern Iowa Panthers (8-2) travel to Chicago to face the UIC Flames (4-6) on Wednesday in a Missouri Valley Conference contest. Northern Iowa has started the season strong and will try to get a win in their first conference game of the season, while UIC comes in off a loss in their conference opener to Belmont. With the Panthers favored in the betting markets going into their first conference game, you will find my Northern Iowa vs UIC prediction below.
Our Northern Iowa vs UIC Pick
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Northern Iowa Panthers @ UIC Flames
- Date & Time: December 17, 2025, 5:00 PM ET
- Venue: Credit Union 1 Arena, Chicago, Illinois
- Broadcast: ESPN+
Key Storylines
Northern Iowa has been one of the stronger mid-major teams this season, averaging 73.6 points per game and posting a +15.6 scoring differential. Their defense has been particularly effective at limiting opponents’ efficiency. Offensively, Leon Bond III leads the way for the Panthers with 14.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per outing, while Trey Campbell contributes double-digits in scoring. The Panthers come into conference play off a 75-63 win over the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at home.
UIC enters with a 4-6 record and suffered a closely contested defeat in their latest outing against Belmont. The Flames have talent, with Ahmad Henderson II averaging 14.6 points on nearly 40% shooting. However, UIC’s inefficiencies are glaring. They average 12.8 turnovers per contest and have a 2-5 record against teams with a winning record, which has hindered their consistency. The Flames are 2-1 at home but will need cleaner execution to slow down Northern Iowa’s attack.
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
- Northern Iowa is 5-3 all-time against UIC.
- Northern Iowa swept UIC in their two games last season, with UNI winning both games by double-digits.
- Northern Iowa is 5-4 against the spread this season.
- UIC is 3-5-1 against the spread going into this matchup.
- The under has cashed in 7 of Northern Iowa’s first 9 games.
- UIC has gone over the total 6 times in 9 games.
Northern Iowa vs UIC Model Projection
Final Thoughts
