The UIC Flames (2-9, 1-5 Horizon) are headed east to take on the Horizon's top team, Youngstown State (14-1, 8-0 Horizon). Youngstown State holds an undefeated record in conference play this season, with their only loss of the season coming against the Nittany Lions of Penn State. The Flames will be back with a nearly full bench after two games of having only a handful of eligible players on the bench.

In the Flames' last match-up, UIC fell 75-38 to Green Bay at Credit Union 1 Arena. The Flames were led by Justice Gee, who finished with a career-high 13 points. The Flames were still hindered by injury and illness, suiting only eight players against the full-rostered Phoenix. Lindsey Rogers and Jaida McCloud were the two other Flames on the roster to finish with double-digit points.

Youngstown State is riding a six-game winning streak, with their last loss coming at the hands of Penn State on Dec. 12. The Penguins come into this game ranked 20th in the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major poll. Youngstown State is led in scoring by senior forward Lilly Ritz, who ranks fifth in the Horizon League with an average of 17.1 points per game. Ritz leads the Penguins in rebounds per game, averaging 7.7 a contest, also ranking fifth in the Horizon in that category.

Youngstown State is one of the best defensive teams in the conference, leading the Horizon in field goal defense and scoring defense. The Penguins are also skilled distributors, averaging 15.2 assists per contest. The Flames will look to seal off passing lanes and use their speed and quickness to cut off ill-advised passes and turn steals into scores in transition. UIC is averaging 17.4 turnovers forced a game; if the Flames can execute their defensive game plan while minimizing mistakes, the Flames have a great shot to pull off the road upset.

Tip-off is at 6 p.m. CST on Friday, Jan. 14, at Youngstown, Ohio.