Preview: Southern Illinois at Illinois-Chicago CHICAGO (Interstat) — Two Missouri Valley Conference teams looking to build momentum will meet Wednesday when the Southern Illinois Salukis visit the Illinois-Chicago Flames at UIC Pavilion. Southern Illinois (8-8, 2-3 MVC) enters on a high note after a narrow 68-67 road victory at Belmont on Sunday. The Salukis have shown resilience, with their last three conference games each decided by four points or fewer. The Salukis will rely on guard Quel’Ron House, who is averaging 15.4 points over his last seven games. He scored 15 points and dished four assists in the win at Belmont. Isaiah Stafford (14 points) and Jalen Haynes (13 points) provided key support in that contest. Illinois-Chicago (5-10, 0-4) seeks its first conference win amid a five-game skid. The Flames fell 66-59 at Valparaiso on Sunday. Their defense, anchored by forward Abdul Momoh, will be tested. Momoh is coming off a 13-point, six-rebound, three-block performance and has recorded multiple blocks in four of his last six games. The Flames’ offense has struggled, failing to reach 70 points in three of their four MVC losses. They will need more production beyond Momoh to counter a Southern Illinois team that has won two of its last three. This matchup begins a key stretch for both teams navigating the early conference schedule. Southern Illinois aims to climb above .500, while Illinois-Chicago desperately seeks a turnaround at home. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. EST Wednesday.