Northwestern will find it challenging to cover against a UIC team that shot 36% from deep last season (59th) and returns a bunch of sharpshooters. The Flames are known for quality shot selection, which is important when playing a slow-tempo team like Northwestern, as there will be a limited number of possessions.

The Wildcats have a lot of offense to replace with Boo Buie and Ryan Langborg gone. The duo combined for 43% of their points and 47% of their assists last season. On defense, the Wildcats forced enough turnovers to overcome poor overall defense, as they ranked 240th in eFG% defense and were equally mediocre both inside and beyond the arc.

UIC beat Yale by 12 and Northwestern is coming off a loss to Dayton. I don't believe the B1G Cats should be giving this many points to the Flames. Bet on UIC to cover the spread at +15.5!