CHICAGO -- UIC will put a bow on the nonconference portion of its 2018-19 slate on Friday, Dec. 21, when the the Flames welcome the Saint Francis Saints to Credit Union 1 Arena at 7 p.m. CT.

After toppling Incarnate Word on Monday night, the Flames (5-7) are looking to string together consecutive victories for the first time since winning three in a row from Nov. 15-24 against William & Mary, Bradley and Parkside. UIC overcame a sluggish offensive effort in the second half against UIW and beat the Cardinals, 63-57. Michael Diggins popped off a career-high 15 points off the bench and matched a personal best with seven rebounds. He also swatted a career-high three shots Monday. During the game, UIC's Marcus Ottey scored his 1,000^th career point, becoming the 24^th player in program history to do so.

USF is 10-4 on the season after dropping a decision to Cardinal Stritch on Wednesday night, 89-71. The Saints are averaging 82.1 points per game and shooting 45.3 percent from the field this season. Three players are averaging double figures in the scoring column, led by Terrion Howard's 13.1 points per game.

It is the first game between UIC and USF in UIC's Division I era, which began in 1981. The Saints won six of the ten matchups between 1973-78. The Flames did welcome Saint Francis for an exhibition game last year and posted a 97-62 victory. Ottey had 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting, while Tarkus Ferguson handed out 13 assists.

Tickets are available by calling 312-413-UIC1 (8421) or visiting Ticketmaster. Monday's matchup will be broadcast live on ESPN+. Jonathan Hood and Chris Bleck will call all of the action at 7 p.m. CT.

For more notes, statistics and information about Monday's game, please click on the UIC Game Notes (PDF) linked in the blue box above.