Drake vs Valparaiso Prediction 2/25/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Drake Bulldogs and the Valparaiso Beacons meet Wednesday in college basketball action from the Athletics-Recreation Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Drake Bulldogs vs. Valparaiso Beacons prediction.

Drake Bulldogs Recap

The Drake Bulldogs come into this game looking to shake off a 66-61 loss to Southern Illinois in their last game to sit at 12-17 this season. After this game, Drake will head home for a game against Northern Iowa.

Bulldogs Lose 7 In A Row

Jalen Quinn leads Drake in scoring and assists with 19,9 PPG and 3.1 APG along with 4.5 RPG as the lone double-digit scorer for Drake so far this season. Jaehshon Thomas has 9.6 PPG and Okku Federiko has 9.4 PPG with 5 RPG to lead Drake in rebounding. Eli Shetlar has 8.8 PPG with 4.3 RPG and Wilguens Jr. Exacte has 8.6 PPG with 5.3 RPG as well on the year. Owen Larson also has 8.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG and 2.4 APG and Andrew Alia has chipped in 7.6 PPG with 4.6 RPG. As a team, Drake is averaging 76.2 PPG on 44.5% shooting from the field, 34.8% from three and 71.4% from the foul line this season.

Valparaiso Beacons Recap

The Valparaiso Beacons come into this game looking to add on to their 71-67 win over UIC last time out to sit at 16-13 this season. After this game, Valparaiso will head on the road for a game against Evansville.

Beacons Win 3 Straight

Owen Dease leads the Beacons in scoring with 14 PPG along with 3.6 RPG while JT Pettigrew has 11.4 PPG with 6.6 RPG to lead Valpo in rebounding so far this season. Rakim Chaney has 10.2 PPG with 3.3 RPG and a team-high 2.7 APG to lead the Beacons in assists and to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for Valparaiso this year while Brody Whitaker has 7.8 PPG with 2.8 RPG and Shon Tupuola has 6.3 PPG with 5.8 RPG. Justus McNair also has 7.9 PPG this season. As a team, Valparaiso is averaging 71.2 PPG on 41.5% shooting from the field, 32.5% from three and 71.2% from the foul line this season.

Drake Bulldogs @ Valparaiso Beacons Betting Trends: February 25, 2026

Why the Valparaiso Beacons will win

• Drake has lost each of its last seven games.
• Valparaiso has won seven of its last eight home games.
• Drake has lost the first half in each of its last five road night games against Conference opponents.

Why the Drake Bulldogs will win

• Drake has won 10 of its last 11 night games against Valparaiso.
• Drake has won the first half in each of its last five games against Valparaiso.

Total Points Facts

• Eight of Drake’s last nine night games have produced a total of 149+ points.
• Five of the last six games between Drake and Valparaiso have produced a total of 148+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Valparaiso ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (4.8).
• Drake ranks 12th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (67.9%).
• Drake ranks 49th among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (10.1).

Drake Bulldogs vs. Valparaiso Beacons Prediction

I’m on Valparaiso here. It’s not my favorite game out there because Valpo’s won their fair share of close games as of late, but I still think that the Beacons can win this game by some margin as Drake continues to disappoint more often than not this season. I think Valpo bags the win and cover so give me the Beacons here.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: Valparaiso -4.5