CHICAGO (Interstat) — Two Missouri Valley Conference teams heading in opposite directions will meet Tuesday night when the Illinois-Chicago Flames host the Indiana State Sycamores at UIC Pavilion. The Flames (11-10, 6-2 MVC) enter on a season-best six-game winning streak, their latest an 85-70 road victory over Bradley on Saturday. The surge has propelled them into the upper tier of the conference standings. Conversely, the Sycamores (9-12, 2-6) have lost seven of their last eight games, including a 76-62 home defeat to Drake last time out. They will look to halt their slide and improve a road record that stands at 2-7 this season. The matchup features a compelling contrast in backcourt momentum. UIC is powered by the hot hand of Elijah Crawford, who erupted for a career-high 26 points in just 24 minutes against Bradley. Over the Flames’ winning streak, the guard has averaged 14.2 points and 5.2 assists per game, providing consistent offensive punch. Indiana State will counter with its own versatile guard, Jo Van Buggenhout. The sophomore is coming off a well-rounded performance of 8 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists against Drake and has been a steady contributor during conference play, including a 13-point, 4-rebound, 4-assist effort in a narrow loss at Drake earlier this month. UIC’s resurgence has been built on defense, holding opponents to an average of 60.2 points during the win streak. They will aim to contain an Indiana State offense that has shown flashes, scoring 94 points in a win over Illinois State on Jan. 14, but has also been held under 70 points in three of its last five outings. The Flames won the first meeting between the teams last season, 78-71 in Terre Haute. They will seek a regular-season sweep when they visit Indiana State on March 1. Tuesday’s contest tips off at 8 p.m. EST as part of a packed MVC slate.