The UIS men's basketball team, the current top team in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, returns home this week for a pair of conference matchups at TRAC, highlighted by Springfield Day on Thursday and Family Day presented by the Bank of Springfield on Saturday.

Thursday's action features a 7:30 p.m. men's tip-off against Lincoln, following the women's game, with gates opening at 4:30 p.m. The Prairie Stars then host Missouri–St. Louis on Saturday with a 3:00 p.m. tip-off as part of a full Family Day celebration.

Illinois Springfield (12-6, 8-2 GLVC)
UIS enters the week riding momentum after an impressive 87-72 road win at Drury, a game that showcased the Prairie Stars' resilience and offensive depth. UIS trailed by as many as 19 points early before storming back to win by 15. Britton Dutton fueled the comeback with 20 points, knocking down four three-pointers, while freshman Alex Stell delivered a breakout performance with an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double. The Prairie Stars were originally scheduled to face Missouri S&T on Saturday, but that contest was postponed to Feb. 10.

Offensively, UIS is one of the most versatile and efficient teams in the GLVC. The Prairie Stars rank top five in the conference in scoring and scoring margin, shooting 47.9% from the floor and leading the league at 40.1% from three-point range.

The attack is led by Jordan Rice, who averages 17.1 points per game and has already scored 307 points this season. Rice also serves as the team's primary distributor, ranking second in the GLVC with 96 assists. Isaiah Davis adds 13.6 points per game and is among the league's most dangerous perimeter shooters, hitting 45.6% from three-point range on high volume.

Dutton, Stell, and Tye Banks round out the top five scorers, while Adidas Davis and Donaven Younger have provided key minutes and production, giving UIS depth that consistently wears down opponents.

Lincoln (8-11, 2-9 GLVC)
Lincoln enters Thursday's matchup coming off a split last week, earning an 86-67 win over Maryville before falling 60-48 at McKendree. Against Maryville, the Blue Tigers shot above their season average and were powered by Tyler Chapman's 24-point performance. Offensively, Lincoln was held in check against McKendree, scoring under 50 points for just the second time this season.

Despite inconsistencies on offense, Lincoln's strength is clear on the glass. The Blue Tigers lead the GLVC in rebounding, averaging 38.8 rebounds per game, and also rank first in the league in blocked shots at 3.89 per contest. Lincoln averages 73.7 points per game but shoots 41.7% from the field, placing them on the lower end of the conference in efficiency.

Thursday's matchup presents a contrast in styles, as UIS's perimeter shooting and ball movement will be tested by Lincoln's rebounding presence and interior defense.

UIS holds a 3-2 edge in the all-time series, though the Prairie Stars dropped last season's road meeting in what was the first GLVC matchup between the programs. UIS will look for its first win over Lincoln as conference opponents.

Missouri–St. Louis (12-8, 6-5 GLVC)
Saturday's matchup against UMSL features two of the most efficient offenses in the GLVC. The Tritons currently sit eighth in the conference standings but remain a dangerous opponent, averaging 76.5 points per game while allowing just 67.0.

UMSL shoots 47.9% from the field, tied with UIS for second in the conference, and ranks second in three-point percentage at 37.8%, trailing only the Prairie Stars. The matchup sets up as a high-level offensive battle, with both teams capable of scoring inside and out.

UIS defeated UMSL earlier this season, marking the Prairie Stars' first win over the Tritons since 2022 and their first road victory at UMSL since 2018. UMSL reached the NCAA Tournament a season ago, and Saturday's contest carries added weight, with a potential season sweep and continued control of the GLVC race on the line for UIS.

Promotions & Special Events
Thursday – Springfield Day
UIS Athletics celebrates the city of Springfield and its community partners with giveaways, prizes, and in-game fun throughout the night. Giveaways, prizes, and in-game fun will go on throughout the night, beginning during the women's game, where the first 75 fans will receive a voucher for a gourmet mini horseshoe from Legacy Pointe Eatery, served at halftime of the women's game.

    Men's Game Giveaways

• First 60 fans receive ticket vouchers to a St. Louis Cardinals game or a Springfield Lucky Horseshoes game (while supplies last)
• Next 100 fans receive a Malibu Jack's Free Attraction Card
• Knight's Action Park mini golf passes 

Fans will also have chances to participate in free raffles featuring Springfield-area prizes, including:

• Illinois State Fair parking passes and admission tickets
• Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum passes
• And more

Springfield Day is part of UIS Athletics' continued effort to celebrate the city and strengthen the connection between the Prairie Stars and the Springfield community.

Saturday – Family Day Presented by the Bank of Springfield
Saturday's game will feature Family Day, Alumni Day, and a celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day.

UIS Athletics will welcome Prairie Star alumni from basketball and beyond back to TRAC, while also recognizing the impact of women and girls in sports. The celebration will include current UIS student-athletes, coaches, staff, youth participants—including a cheer camp happening the same day—and female athletes everywhere.

The Bank of Springfield returns as the game sponsor, helping make the afternoon a special one for families, alumni, and future Prairie Stars.