Murray State Looks to Extend Win Streak Against Struggling UIC CHICAGO (Interstat) — A surging Murray State squad will visit a struggling Illinois-Chicago team to open the Missouri Valley Conference calendar on New Year’s Day. The Racers (11-3) will face the Flames (5-8) on Thursday at UIC Pavilion. Murray State enters on a five-game winning streak, including an 84-81 conference victory over Southern Illinois on Monday. UIC snapped a six-game skid with a 102-64 win over non-Division I opponent Illinois Tech that same day. Murray State’s success has been fueled by balanced scoring and efficient play. In the win over Southern Illinois, Javon Jackson led with 19 points while JJ Traynor added 16 and Layne Taylor contributed 11 points and six assists. Traynor, a key player to watch, is averaging 13.8 points and 4.8 rebounds over his last five games, highlighted by a 16-point, 8-rebound performance at Akron on Dec. 13. The Flames will rely on forward Mekhi Lowery, who posted 17 points and seven rebounds in the rout of Illinois Tech. Lowery has been a bright spot during the team’s recent struggles, averaging 9.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks over his last six contests. The matchup pits one of the Valley’s hottest teams against one seeking consistency. Murray State’s offense has topped 80 points in eight games this season. UIC, meanwhile, has lost its five games against Division I opponents since Dec. 3 by an average of 7.2 points, including an overtime loss at Charlotte. This game begins the conference slate for both teams. Murray State will host Bradley on Jan. 4, while UIC travels to Valparaiso the same day.