Drake Seeks Road Win Against Illinois-Chicago in Nonconference Finale CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Drake Bulldogs will look to snap a four-game skid when they visit the Illinois-Chicago Flames in a nonconference women’s basketball matchup Monday at UIC Pavilion. The game, organized by the Missouri Valley Conference, is the final tune-up for both teams before league play begins in the new year. Drake (2-9) enters on a difficult stretch, having lost eight of its last nine games. The Bulldogs are coming off a 68-43 home loss to Minnesota on Dec. 21, where they were held to 27.3% shooting from the field. Their only win since Nov. 3 was a 97-77 victory at Indiana State on Dec. 17. A bright spot for the Bulldogs has been forward Maggie Taylor. She is coming off a 19-minute, nine-point, six-rebound performance against Minnesota and has recorded two double-doubles in her last five games, including 17 points and 10 rebounds against Western Illinois on Dec. 7. Illinois-Chicago (6-6) has been inconsistent but enters with a more balanced record. The Flames are looking to rebound from a 59-48 home loss to Austin Peay on Dec. 20. Prior to that, they earned a notable 77-67 victory over city rival DePaul on Dec. 17. The Flames are led by guard Julia Coleman, who is capable of explosive scoring. She poured in a season-high 29 points in the win over DePaul and has averaged 17.2 points over her last five contests. Coleman logged 36 minutes and dished out five assists in the loss to Austin Peay. Defense will be a key factor for UIC, which held Valparaiso to 44 points in a win earlier this month but has allowed an average of 66.8 points in its six losses. For Drake, finding consistent offense beyond Taylor is critical. The Bulldogs have been held under 55 points in four of their last six defeats. Monday’s contest tips off at 7 p.m. Central. Following this game, Illinois-Chicago will host Northern Iowa on Wednesday to open MVC play, while Drake begins its conference schedule at home against Southern Illinois on Jan. 2.