As the struggling Fighting Illini try to find themselves through numerous injuries, in-state rival Illinois-Chicago awaits the Illini Saturday afternoon at the United Center.

The Illini have lost point guard Tracy Abrams and forward Mike Thorne Jr. indifenitely and played without sophomore forward Leron Black Wednesday against Yale.

Not having the two big men was evident as the Bulldogs outrebounded Illinois 48-25.

The Fighting Illini have Illinois-Chicago and South Dakota befor the "Braggin' Rights" game against Missouri Dec. 23 and then it's on to conference play.

At 5-5, the Illini hope to get above the .500 mark for the first time this season.

Saturday's game from the United Center tips at 1 pm.