Preview: Illinois-Chicago at Drake in MVC Women’s Basketball DES MOINES, Iowa (Interstat) — Two Missouri Valley Conference teams looking to build on rare recent wins will meet Sunday when the Illinois-Chicago Flames visit the Drake Bulldogs at Knapp Center. The Flames (12-14) are coming off a 95-80 road victory at Indiana State on Thursday, their highest scoring output in conference play this season. The Bulldogs (8-17) ended a five-game skid with a 79-68 home win over Valparaiso the same night. Illinois-Chicago will lean on guard Jessica Carrothers, who is averaging 21.7 points over her last seven games. She scored 24 points and dished six assists in the win over Indiana State. Chantrel Clayton (20 points) and Julia Coleman (14 points) provided crucial support in that victory. Drake counters with guard Ava Hawthorne, who is coming off a 12-point, eight-assist performance against Valparaiso. Her playmaking will be key against a Flames defense that has allowed 71.3 points per game in MVC play. Teammate Abbie Aalsma, who scored 19 points on Thursday, offers a secondary scoring threat. The Bulldogs won the season’s first meeting, 78-62, in Chicago on Dec. 29, 2025. Drake has struggled at home this season, however, posting a 5-7 record in Des Moines. Both teams have shown inconsistency. The Flames’ win at Indiana State was preceded by narrow losses to Murray State and Belmont. Drake’s victory followed a stretch where they lost 10 of 11 games. With the MVC tournament approaching, the game represents an opportunity for either squad to gain momentum. Illinois-Chicago seeks its first winning streak since early January, while Drake aims for consecutive wins for the first time since December. Tip-off is set for Sunday afternoon. Illinois-Chicago visits Northern Iowa next Saturday, while Drake travels to Evansville on Thursday.