Valparaiso vs Liberty Prediction College Basketball Picks 11/4/24

In this article we will formulate a Valparaiso vs Liberty prediction for this College Basketball game on Monday, November 4th at the John Wooden Family Fieldhouse in Xenia, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Valparaiso Beacons Betting Preview

The Valparaiso Beacons went 7-25 last year and they finished 3-17 in the MVC, which was 12th in the standings. Valparaiso averaged 67.6 points per game and they allowed 75.5 points against per game last season. The Beacons opened last season with a non-division one win against Trinity Christian by a score of 100-61. Valpo really struggled in conference play, as they lost 11 of their last 12 regular season games. The Beacons lost their first game of the MVC tournament by a score of 86-61 against Belmont. 

Valparaiso had a terrible 23-24 season, but they do return their top three leading scorers, who accounted for about 37 points per game. Two of those returning players shot over 35% from three last season, so the scoring should be improved. 

Liberty Flames Betting Preview

The Liberty Flames were 18-14 last season and they went 7-9 in CUSA, which was fourth in the standings. The Flames scored 73.8 points per game and they allowed 65.5 points against per game last year. Liberty opened their season with a non-division one win as well, as they beat Mid-Atlantic Christian by a score of 103-43. The Flames went on a nice run in the middle of conference play, but they did finish the regular season by losing four of their last six games. Liberty dropped their first game of the CUSA tournament by a score of 66-57, which ended their season. 

Liberty did lose their top scorer, Kyle Rode, from last season, but they do return their second and third leading scorers, who accounted for about 25 points per game. The Flames did bring in five players in the transfer portal that they are very excited about. Liberty should be around the same this season as they were last year in my opinion. 

Why Valparaiso will cover

• Liberty has lost each of its last three games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
• Valparaiso has won the first half in three of its last four day games.

Total Points Facts

• Eight of Valparaiso’s last nine games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 147+ points.
• Five of Liberty’s last six day games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue have produced a total of 144+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Liberty ranked 11th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goals made per game last season (10.1).
• Liberty ranked 354th among Division 1 teams for free throws made per game last season (9.8).

Valparaiso vs Liberty Prediction 

These two teams open the season with a neutral site matchup here, and each team does bring back some scoring production from last season. Valparaiso had a pretty rough season last year, but I do expect them to have a better 24-25 season. Liberty should be a middle of the road CUSA team once again this year, but I think it could take a few games for them to really hit their stride. Take Valparaiso in this matchup. 

David Racey's Pick: Valparaiso +9.5