- Matchup: Belmont Bruins vs Valparaiso Beacons
- Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
- Venue: Athletics-Recreation Center, Valparaiso, IN
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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The Athletics-Recreation Center is set to host an exciting matchup as the Valparaiso Beacons (10-10) take on the Belmont Bruins (18-3) this Wednesday.
In their most recent game, the Belmont Bruins triumphed over Illinois State, securing an 80-69 victory. Belmont displayed impressive shooting, with a 58.0% field goal percentage (29 of 50) and sinking 9 of 16 three-pointers. At the free-throw line, they achieved 61.9%, making 13 of 21 attempts. On the boards, the Bruins recorded 23 rebounds—three of which were offensive. Additionally, they delivered 19 assists while creating 13 turnovers and notching 7 steals. Defensively, Belmont restricted their opponent to a 37.9% shooting rate (22 of 58). Illinois State managed to distribute 13 assists and secured 9 steals, while they executed 35 rebounds (13 offensive and 22 defensive) without a single block. They finished 85.0% from the line, converting 17 of 20 attempts and hitting 8 of 28 from downtown. Belmont committed 16 personal fouls compared to Illinois State’s 18.
Eoin Dillon made a significant contribution in this game, shooting 75.0% from the field and achieving 16 points on 6 of 8 shooting over 20 minutes of play, adding 3 assists but no rebounds.
Heading into this matchup, Belmont boasts an impressive record of 18-3 for the season. They average 82.5 points per game (ranking 71st in Division 1) while shooting 51.1% from the field. The Bruins are connecting on 39.0% of their three-point attempts (208 of 534) and 67.5% from the free-throw line. As a unit, Belmont grabs 38.0 rebounds per contest and has accumulated 373 assists this season, positioning them 20th in the nation for assists. They average 13.2 turnovers and 17.0 personal fouls per game.
On the defensive end, the Bruins force their foes into an average of 13.1 turnovers per game while drawing 17.7 fouls. They allow opponents to shoot 32.5% on three-pointers and rank 86th in college basketball for points allowed per game (69.8). The Bruins’ opponents shoot at a 38.3% rate (495 of 1,291) and they concede 33.9 rebounds per game. Belmont currently ranks 162nd in Division 1 for assists allowed, having surrendered 269 assists throughout the season.
In their last outing, the Valparaiso Beacons secured a 69-63 win over Southern Illinois. Valparaiso allowed 32 total rebounds from Southern Illinois (10 offensive). They struggled from beyond the arc, shooting only 21.4% (3 of 14), but performed better at the free-throw line, hitting 18 of 30 attempts (60.0%). Southern Illinois shot 41.2% from the field (21 of 51). The Beacons shot 48.8% (21 of 43) overall and made 7 of 16 three-pointers (43.8%). They capitalized on 30 free-throw attempts, converting 20 (66.7%) thanks to 24 personal fouls committed by Southern Illinois. The Beacons committed 10 turnovers but also came away with 6 steals, finishing with a total of 27 rebounds (24 defensive, 3 offensive).
Justus McNair made a notable impact for the Beacons, shooting 75.0% (6 of 8) while contributing 17 points in 19 minutes, along with 1 rebound and 1 assist.
Valparaiso holds a balanced record of 10-10 this season. They average 18.3 personal fouls per game with a free throw percentage of 71.9%. Their assist average stands at just 11.6 per game (334th nationally), while turnovers are at 10.8 per contest. Throughout the year, the Beacons have scored a total of 1,417 points, averaging 70.9 per game, and they secure 37.0 rebounds per game. Their field goal percentage is at 41.0%, placing them 338th in the nation.
Defensively, the Beacons are ranked 80th in Division 1 for points allowed per game at 69.7. They create 11.8 turnovers per game while allowing opponents a shooting percentage of 42.8% (136th in the division). Valparaiso’s defense permits 30.5% shooting from three-point range (123 of 403) and opponents sink 70.6% of their free throws against them. They allow an average of 11.4 assists and 36.4 rebounds per game, ranking 42nd and 289th in collegiate basketball, respectively.
Who will come out on top in this NCAA matchup against the spread?
Pick: Bet on Belmont
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