CHICAGO – The UIC men's basketball team (10-18, 2-15 MVC) will close out its two-game homestand on Sunday, as it welcomes Valparaiso (11-17, 5-12 MVC) to Credit Union 1 Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. CT. Sunday's game can be seen on ESPN+, and will also serve as UIC's Hometown Hero Day, honoring first responders making a difference in their communities.
 
MATCHUP BREAKDOWN

• Familiar foes Valparaiso and UIC will meet for the second time this season, with the Beacons besting the Flames last time out on Jan. 17 by a final score of 76-66. The Beacons used a strong second half offensively, as well as 24 points from second leading scorer Kobe King to propel them to a victory in Indiana.
• Ben Krikke has led the way for the Beacons both offensively and on the boards this year, averaging 19 points and just under six rebounds a contest. Valpo is 3-5 in the eight games it has played since the Flames visited in mid-January, most recently dropping a tight contest at home to Southern Illinois Tuesday.

 
CAREER-HIGH TRIO

• Jalen Jackson and Jaden Brownell both set new career-highs in points in UIC's Feb. 11 loss at Belmont, with Jackson scoring 21 and Brownell netting 12. Jackson would go on to beat that career-high the very next game, netting 23 in a home loss to Indiana State Feb. 15.
• Christian Jones tied his career-high in points in the loss to Indiana State, scoring 15 points.

 
HOME ON HARRISON

• Despite their struggles on the road this season, the Flames have played well in the WIndy City, having a 6-7 record at Credit Union 1 Arena.

 
An audio broadcast of the game is also available on the Flames Network with the Voice of the Flames Jonathan Hood, and Hall of Famer Kenny Williams on the call.