Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 1/24/26

Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 1/24/26

UIC @ BRADLEY (BRAD -6.5, 143.5)

CBB ODDS, CBB PREDICTIONS, CBB PREVIEWS

COACH RICK CBB PREVIEWS

FLAMES @ BRAVES 1/24/26

Tonight’s Missouri Valley Conference matchup at Carver Arena features a red-hot UIC Flames squad traveling to Peoria to take on a Bradley Braves team that has been nearly unbeatable on their home floor. Bradley enters as a 6.5-point favorite, but the statistical profile of these two teams suggests a much closer.

The UIC Flames are currently one of the best teams in the country to back, having covered the spread in 7 of their last 10 games. While Bradley is 10-1 straight up at home, they have struggled significantly against the number, posting a 4-6 ATS record on their home floor. UIC’s defense has been the catalyst for their recent surge, ranking 110th nationally in Defensive Efficiency (107.3).

Bradley’s offense is efficient (133rd in AdjOE), but they rely heavily on the three-pointer (41.3% 3PT Rate). UIC’s perimeter defense is elite, holding opponents to just 31.7% from deep (102nd nationally). If the Flames can run the Braves off the three-point line, they have a high probability of keeping this game within two possessions.

Despite UIC's ability to cover, winning outright in Peoria is a monumental task. As mentioned, Bradley is 10-1 at home this season and possesses a significant advantage in ball security. The Braves rank 15th in the nation in Turnover Percentage (13.6%). UIC, conversely, struggles with turnovers, ranking 269th (18.7%). In a close conference game, Bradley’s ability to control the ball and get to the free-throw line (where they shoot 73.7%) should allow them to secure the straight-up victory.

Both teams feature defenses that rank inside the top 135 nationally in adjusted efficiency. UIC plays at a methodical pace (244th in Adjusted Tempo), and Bradley isn't much faster (150th). Furthermore, the "Under" has hit in 6 of UIC's last 10 games. Bradley’s defense is particularly stingy inside, ranking 97th in Block Percentage (11.1%), which will make easy buckets hard to come by for a UIC team that shoots just 49% on two-point attempts.

The narrative for tonight's game centers on UIC's defensive identity against Bradley's home dominance. UIC is coming off a dominant 76-49 win over Evansville, where they held the Purple Aces 22 percent shooting from three and 30 percent overall. The Flames have won their last five games, including statement wins over Drake and Northern Iowa. Their "Luck" rating (340th) suggests they were underperforming early in the season and are finally seeing their defensive metrics translate into wins.

Bradley is looking to stabilize after an inconsistent stretch. While they beat Indiana State 75-68 in their last outing, they were previously blown out by Illinois State (88-62). The Braves' success hinges on Jaquan Johnson, who leads the team with a 28.6% usage rate and an impressive 122.3 Offensive Rating. Johnson averages 17.5 points per game. UIC will likely deploy Andy Johnson or Mekhi Lowery to shadow him, as both are elite perimeter defenders with high steal rates.

One critical factor to watch is the rebounding battle. UIC ranks 29th in the country in Offensive Rebounding Percentage (37.4%). If they can generate second-chance points against a Bradley defense that is only average on the defensive glass (137th), they can negate Bradley's superior shooting percentages.

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FREE PICK: UIC +6.5

It will be tough for UIC to win on the road at Bradley, but recall that the Flames blew out the Braves last January at Carver Arena. UIC was an 8-point road underdog and won the game outright, 93-70. That win was just UIC’s second in the last 10 games against Bradley, but the Flames have covered the spread in 7 of those 10. As mentioned above, UIC has won five straight. They have also covered in 5 straight and are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games. The Flames defense will help them keep this one within two possessions.

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Ylose expert Coach Rick Bowe delivers his daily Quick Picks. The Coach continues to roll up big wins in college basketball, college football, the NFL, MLB and much more. Coach Rick offers a unique perspective to handicapping. Check out his daily free picks right here and jump on his daily Best Bets, which you can find right here at Ylose.com/coach.