Valparaiso at Illinois-Chicago
When: 3 p.m. Saturday, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, ESPN3.com, WVUR-FM (95.1).
Outlook: After last playing on Jan. 30, Valparaiso has used the time between games to sharpen its execution in practice and to allow banged-up players a chance to recover. The Crusaders (19-4, 9-1) are in sole possession of first place in the Horizon League, with every other team having at least three conference losses. Illinois-Chicago (3-18, 1-9) also last played on Jan. 30, a 72-70 overtime win against Cleveland State. That victory was the Flames’ first against a Division I opponent this season. Senior center Vashil Fernandez needs two blocked shots to break Raitis Grafs’ Valparaiso career record of 228. The Crusaders have won 14 straight games against the Flames, including 75-47 on Jan. 2 at the Athletics-Recreation Center to open the league season. Valparaiso last lost to UIC on Feb. 15, 2009.
— Michael Osipoff