It wasn't a fun regular season for the UIC Flames or Loyola Ramblers, but as the Horizon League postseason Tournament begins today at respective campus sites around the league, UIC and Loyola get a crack at a clean slate. Loyola finished last in the 10-team league, ending the season 7-22 overall with a 1-17 record in the Horizon League. UIC wasn't much better: the Flames finished ninth in the Horizon League, sporting a 8-21, 3-15 record.
Today, both the Ramblers and Flames will be underdogs in their respective first round matchups.
No. 10 Loyola (IL) at No. 3 Detroit, 7 p.m.
Detroit enters at 18-13 overall, 11-7 in conference. They are winners of six of their last seven games. Loyola has been able to hang with the Titans a little bit in two previous regular season meetings. Detroit won the first contest by 11 and second game 67-52.
No. 9 UIC at No. 4 Milwaukee, 8 p.m.
The Panthers and Flames played at UIC Pavilion last Thursday, with Milwaukee escaping with a 72-61 victory. Milwaukee's first victory over UIC this season was even more closely contested. On Dec. 3, the Flames took Milwaukee to overtime before the Panthers prevailed 73-71. Milwaukee enters the game 19-12 overall and 11-7 in conference.
Here are the two other Tuesday games in the Horizon league tournament:
No. 7 Green Bay at No. 6 Youngstown State, 7:05 p.m.
No. 8 Wright State at No. 5 Butler, 7 p.m.