- Matchup: Valparaiso Beacons vs Kentucky Wildcats
- Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
- Venue: Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
- Broadcast: SECN+
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This Friday, the Kentucky Wildcats (1-0) are set to face the Valparaiso Beacons (1-0) at the iconic Rupp Arena.
In their previous outing, the Valparaiso Beacons triumphed over Eastern Illinois with a close score of 66-63. Valparaiso concluded the game with a shooting percentage of 34.5% (19 of 55) and managed to hit 7 out of 31 shots from beyond the arc. At the free-throw line, the Beacons converted 21 of 35 attempts, achieving a 60.0% success rate. On the boards, they secured a total of 31 rebounds, 12 of which were offensive. The Beacons contributed 8 assists while forcing 19 turnovers and recording 13 steals. Defensively, Valparaiso surrendered a field goal percentage of 39.1%, allowing 18 of 46 shots to go in. Eastern Illinois secured 34 total rebounds (7 offensive and 27 defensive) but did not register any blocks. They also recorded an impressive 80.6% from the free-throw line, making 25 of 31 attempts, while shooting 2 of 9 from the three-point line. The Beacons committed 22 personal fouls, whereas Eastern Illinois was called for 30.
A standout performer for Valparaiso was Isaiah Barnes, who scored 15 points on 4 of 10 shooting. He played for 32 minutes, notched 10 rebounds, and recorded 1 assist, finishing the game with a field goal percentage of 40.0%.
This season, Valparaiso boasts a record of 1-0. The team averages 14.0 turnovers and commits 22.0 fouls per game. As a unit, they are grabbing 38.0 rebounds per game and have tallied 8 assists, placing them 325th nationally in assist statistics. The Beacons shoot 22.6% from three-point range (7 of 31) and 60.0% from the charity stripe. Their scoring average stands at 66.0 points per game, positioning them 288th in the nation with a field goal percentage of 34.5%.
Defensively, the Beacons are forcing 20.0 turnovers per contest and drawing 30.0 fouls. They rank 26th in Division 1 for limiting assists, allowing only 4 assists per game. Valparaiso’s defense has permitted a field goal percentage of 39.1% (18 of 46) and allows 41.0 rebounds per game. Opponents shoot 22.2% from three-point range against them, and they are ranked 132nd in Division 1 in points allowed per game (63.0).
In their recent match, the Kentucky Wildcats secured a convincing victory over Nicholls State with a score of 77-51. The Wildcats accumulated 31 defensive rebounds and 10 offensive rebounds, totaling 41 for the matchup. They had 13 turnovers while acquiring 7 steals. Nicholls State committed 18 fouls, leading Kentucky to the free-throw line for 22 attempts, of which they made 12, achieving a 54.5% success rate. From three-point range, Kentucky converted 7 of 27 attempts (25.9%). Overall, the Wildcats shot 29 of 62 from the field, good for a shooting percentage of 46.8%. They permitted Nicholls State to make 16 of 53 field goal attempts (30.2%) while allowing them to shoot just 16.7% from beyond the arc, connecting on 4 of 24 attempts. The Wildcats finished the game making 15 of 22 free throw attempts (68.2%). On the boards, they limited Nicholls State to 27 total rebounds (4 offensive).
Collin Chandler played a pivotal role for the Wildcats in this encounter, shooting 5 of 8 for a field goal percentage of 62.5%. He accumulated 15 points in 24 minutes on the court while also grabbing 2 rebounds and providing 4 assists.
Kentucky opens the season with a 1-0 record. Offensively, the Wildcats shoot 46.8% from the field, placing them 169th among college teams. To date, they have totaled 77 points while averaging 51.0 rebounds per game. The Wildcats have recorded 21.0 assists per game (64th in college) while averaging 13.0 turnovers. They commit 17.0 personal fouls per game and have a free-throw percentage of 54.5%.
Defensively, Kentucky ranks 59th in Division 1 for points allowed per game at 51.0, while forcing 11.0 turnovers per contest. They have allowed opponents to shoot 30.2% from the field (48th in college basketball). The Wildcats have restricted three-point shooting to 16.7% (4 of 24), while opponents convert 68.2% of their free throw attempts. They permit 9.0 assists and 30.0 total rebounds per game, ranked 109th and 117th in Division 1 respectively.
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s NCAA game against the spread?
Prediction: Take Valparaiso
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