Preview: Illinois State Redbirds at Illinois-Chicago Flames CHICAGO (Interstat) — A Missouri Valley Conference rematch with postseason implications is set for Sunday when the Illinois State Redbirds visit the Illinois-Chicago Flames at UIC Pavilion. Illinois State (17-9) enters with the stronger overall record, but Illinois-Chicago (14-12) won the first meeting in dramatic fashion, a 63-59 overtime victory in Normal on Jan. 10. That result adds a layer of urgency for the visiting Redbirds, who sit three games above .500 in league play. The Redbirds are coming off an emphatic 86-64 home win over Valparaiso on Thursday, led by a 21-point performance from sophomore guard Johnny Kinziger. Kinziger has been a consistent offensive catalyst, averaging 12.1 points over his last eight games and scoring in double figures in six of them. His backcourt play will be critical against UIC’s pressure. The Flames counter with their own hot hand in sophomore guard Elijah Crawford. He is averaging 16.4 points over his last seven contests, including an 18-point, 5-assist effort in UIC’s notable 80-70 road win at Drake on Thursday. Crawford’s scoring burst, which included a 26-point game at Bradley on Jan. 24, has keyed the Flames’ recent surge. Both teams have shown volatility in conference play. Illinois State’s 17-9 mark includes a recent 88-80 loss at Evansville, while UIC’s 14-12 record features impressive wins but also a puzzling 1-minute appearance for Crawford in a loss at Murray State on Feb. 3, reportedly due to a coach’s decision. The matchup hinges on backcourt execution. Illinois State will look to Kinziger and Tyreek Coleman, who had 14 points against Valparaiso, to control the tempo. UIC will rely on Crawford and the support of Andy Johnson and Mekhi Lowery, who combined for 22 points in the win at Drake. With the MVC tournament seeding taking shape, this contest carries significant weight. Illinois State seeks to avenge its earlier overtime loss and solidify its standing, while Illinois-Chicago aims to complete the season sweep and climb above .500. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. CST Sunday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.