CHICAGO – The UIC men's basketball program, in conjunction with the Missouri Valley Conference, has released its full slate of games for the upcoming 2022-23 campaign. The conference schedule features 20 contests against foes across The Valley, including 10 at Credit Union 1 Arena.

"We are incredibly excited about our inaugural season in the Missouri Valley Conference and look forward to competing against the toughest teams in the country," said UIC head men's basketball coach Luke Yaklich. "The passion for college basketball throughout The Valley is unmatched. We look forward to great home crowds and a fantastic home court advantage at Credit Union 1 Arena this season."

UIC men's basketball tickets for the 2022-23 season are on sale now. A variety of options are available to choose from including full season ticket packages, flex plans that allow you to choose how and when you watch UIC in action, a specially priced Flames Family Plan, and more. Supply for courtside season seats has become increasingly limited, so to reserve the best seats at Credit Union 1 Arena this season, or to learn about other great seating options, click here or visit the 'Tickets' section of UICFlames.com. You can also call 312-413-UIC1 (8421) to speak with someone personally who can answer your questions.

Entering his third year at the helm, Yaklich's squad features 2022 All-Freshman Team honoree Jace Carter and rising sophomore standout, Filip Skobalj. The duo joins a talented mix of incoming freshmen and highly touted transfers to round out the Flames' lineup.

UIC will play a pair of games in late November and early December to start MVC play. The Flames will face the Missouri State Bears in their first-ever game in The Valley on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at Credit Union 1 Arena. The week concludes with a trip to Des Moines to battle Drake on Saturday, Dec. 3. The Bears and Bulldogs tied for second place in the regular season standings last season with 13 wins each.

Following the conclusion of non-conference play, MVC competition ramps up in earnest on Wednesday, Dec. 28 when the Illinois State Redbirds fly north to Chicago for an in-state showdown. The Flames prevailed 94-75 over ISU in 2018, the last time the programs squared off at Credit Union 1 Arena.

UIC will celebrate New Year's Eve with a trip to Peoria to take on the Bradley Braves. From there, the Flames begin 2023 with a visit from MVC newcomer Belmont on Jan. 4. The Bruins are the only current MVC member the Flames have never faced on the hardwood. Following a trip to Indiana State on Jan. 7, the Flames first trip to Terre Haute since 2002, UIC will be back home on Jan. 10 to wrap up the season series with Drake.

The Flames will play three of their final five games in January away from home, beginning with a visit to fellow MVC newcomer, Murray State, on Jan. 14. That is the only meeting of the regular season against the Racers. Following a short trip to Valparaiso on Jan. 17, UIC will be back home on Jan. 21 to take on the defending Missouri Valley Conference regular season champion, Northern Iowa, in the only contest versus the Panthers.

The regular-season series with Missouri State concludes on Jan. 24 with a game in Springfield, Mo., before the month comes to a close at home against Bradley on Jan. 29. The Flames will head to Normal to take on Illinois State on Feb. 1. The last two games between UIC and ISU at Redbird Arena were each decided by a single point (2017 and 2019).

The Flames will get their first look at Evansville on Saturday, Feb. 4 when the Purple Aces visit Credit Union 1 Arena. UIC is 5-1 all-time against Evansville, having won the last four meetings dating back to 2003. Another two-game road swing will send Coach Yaklich's club to SIU (Feb. 8) and Belmont (Feb. 11) before back-to-back home games against Indiana State (Feb. 15) and Valpo (Feb. 19). The game against the Beacons will mark the second of the season and the 58^th all-time meeting between the schools.

Evansville will be the site for the final road game of the regular season on Feb. 22, while the Salukis from Southern Illinois will visit Chicago for Senior Night on Feb. 26.

Once the regular season concludes, the Flames will burn a trail to St. Louis for the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Men's Basketball Championship. The winner of Arch Madness, held March 2-5 at the Enterprise Center, will emerge with the MVC tournament title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship.

The Flames Athletic Fund is the official fundraising organization for over 300 student-athletes across 18 sports, including the men's basketball program. The FAF provides critical resources for UIC Athletics to support a holistic student-athlete experience. The generosity of FAF donors enables UIC to compete at the highest levels as the Flames enter a new era in the Missouri Valley Conference. To become an FAF member, please call 312-996-5874 or visit UICFlames.com today.
 

Get the latest news on all things UIC Flames Athletics by visiting us on the web (uicflames.com), following us on Twitter (@uicflames), Facebook (/OfficialUICFlames) and Instagram (@uicflames), or by calling 312-413-UIC1 (8421).