College basketball scouting reports

Loyola (12-7, 3-6) at Detroit (12-8, 5-4)

When: 6 p.m. at Calihan Hall

Internet: horizonleaguenetwork.tv

Radio: WAUR 930-AM, WNTD 950-AM, WLUW 88.7-FM

The skinny: When these Jesuit schools met Jan. 2 at Gentile Center, the Titans held the Ramblers to a season-low 42 points in a 17-point win. That game triggered Loyola's spiral that shows five losses in its last six outings. Since their first meeting, Detroit sophomore swingman Chase Simon has developed into a menace. The Central Michigan transfer has averaged 23.8 points and 7.6 rebounds in the last four games. Not only do the Ramblers need to slow him down - look for Terrance Hill to get that job - they need to uphold their rep as the league's best rebounding team. In fact, Loyola and Detroit are 1-2 in rebounding margin.

UIC (5-14, 1-8) at Wright St. (12-8, 5-4)

When: 6:30 p.m. at Nutter Center

Internet: horizonleaguenetwork.tv

Radio: WMVP 1000-AM

The skinny: The Flames' current six-game losing streak began with their 64-47 home loss to Wright State on Jan. 2. Those 47 points represented UIC's second-lowest point total in the last 12 months. Why restrict that stat to the last 12 months? Because when UIC visited Wright State last year, the Raiders limited them to a mere 31 points. Senior forward Jeremy Buttell has carried UIC of late (17.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game over the last five), but they need more from the guards. Maybe Chris Buchanan's insertion into the lineup - he's a long-range gunner - can loosen up Wright State's defense. The Raiders rank ninth nationally, according to kenpom.com in turnovers forced. They make their opponents give it up on 25.9 percent of their possessions.

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