The DePaul Blue Demons (9-1) square off with the UIC Flames (4-6) at Wintrust Arena. The game is scheduled to get underway at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 14, 2019.
UIC Flames vs. DePaul Blue Demons ATS Prediction
In the Flames’ last matchup, they topped the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons, 62-49. The Flames had a better free throw rate (0.061 vs. 0.035) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.602 (above their season average of 0.470). UIC rallied around Godwin Boahen, who contributed 13 points and 12 rebounds.
The Blue Demons were beaten by the Buffalo Bulls in their last game, 74-69. Buffalo’s rebounding was their largest strength. The Bulls had 17 offensive rebounds and 53 total rebounds, while the Blue Demons had 10 and 40, respectively. DePaul’s Paul Reed put up 15 points, 18 rebounds and five blocks in the game.
After the Blue Demons won the lone game against the Flames last season, 90-70, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Blue Demons had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (26.5 vs. 13.5) and had a better free throw rate (0.230 vs. 0.155).
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, DePaul figures to have a considerable advantage. The Blue Demons defense ranks 10th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.423), while the UIC offense is ranked 257th in effective field goal percentage (0.482). Ball protection could be troublesome for the Flames. They rank 331st at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 22.7 percent), while the Blue Demons force the 44th-most turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 23.0 percent).
UIC at DePaul Free Pick
Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – UIC, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
DePaul averages 40.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 19th in the country. UIC ranks 245th in rebounds allowed per game (39.4).
The Blue Demons rank 43rd in assists allowed per game (10.9) while the Flames rank 225th (15.5).
UIC averages 25.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 49th in the nation. DePaul ranks 210th in three pointers allowed per game (24.2).
The Blue Demons rank 10th in steals per game (9.6) while the Flames rank 155th (5.8).
DePaul ranks second in blocks per game (6.7) while UIC ranks 99th (3.4).
The Flames’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.2, down from 7.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Blue Demons have scored an average of 73.4 points per game (2.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.8 points per game (4.4 above their season average).
