With postseason positioning still in play, UIS Men's Basketball returns home this week for a pair of Great Lakes Valley Conference matchups at TRAC. The Prairie Stars will host Lewis on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. before welcoming Upper Iowa on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. as part of Senior Day.

Illinois Springfield (15-9, 11-5 GLVC)
UIS enters the week looking to rebound after a challenging road stretch against several of the league's top teams. The Prairie Stars dropped three straight contests at McKendree, Missouri S&T, and Indianapolis, all teams currently positioned near the top of the GLVC standings.

Despite the recent results, UIS remains one of the league's most productive offensive teams. The Prairie Stars rank fifth in the GLVC in scoring (79.5 points per game), fourth in field goal percentage (.469), and first in 3-point field goal percentage (.381). UIS also ranks among the league's top six teams in rebounding, averaging 36.5 boards per game.

The Prairie Stars enter the weekend fourth in the GLVC Point Rating System, firmly in the postseason picture. A win Saturday against an Upper Iowa team above .500 would provide a significant boost in the tightly packed standings.

Lewis (4-20, 2-14 GLVC)
Lewis continues a rebuilding season and arrives in Springfield following a difficult stretch against quality opponents. The Flyers dropped games last week to Missouri-St. Louis, Maryville, and nationally ranked McKendree.

Offensively, Lewis is led by Arius Alijosius, who averages 18.5 points per game while shooting better than 46 percent from the field. Ryan Hall adds 10.9 points per game, while Cale Cosme and Collin Albert provide additional scoring depth. 

Upper Iowa (16-8, 11-6 GLVC)
Upper Iowa enters the weekend with momentum after back-to-back home wins over Missouri-St. Louis and Maryville. The Peacocks rank second in the GLVC in scoring (84.1 ppg) and fourth in rebounding (36.9 rpg), presenting one of the league's most complete offensive challenges.

Upper Iowa is led by Kyle Hrncir, who averages 17.7 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, along with Trey Lewis (14.9 ppg) and Tate Petersen, who shoots better than 45 percent from three-point range. The Peacocks also lead the GLVC in turnover margin (+4.54) and steals per game.

GLVC Outlook
The Prairie Stars sit in a tight cluster in the GLVC standings, with multiple teams separated by narrow margins in the Point Rating System. Saturday's matchup against Upper Iowa represents an opportunity for UIS to earn valuable points with a win over a team above .500 as the conference race intensifies.

Promotions
Thursday – CEFCU Pajama Party
Fans are encouraged to wear pajamas and take part in student engagement activities, including a residence hall competition between Founders and Lincoln in partnership with UIS Residence Life.

Saturday – Senior Day | Cancer Awareness & Local Heroes Day
UIS will recognize Jordan Rice, Tye Banks, and Colin Schuler prior to tipoff and honor cancer fighters and survivors, along with first responders, healthcare professionals, and local heroes.