| MATCHUP | UIC Flames | Valparaiso Beacons |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 5-10 | 7-8 |
| Where | Athletics-Recreation Center, Valparaiso, IN | |
| When | Sunday, January 4, 2026 | |
| Time | 03:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Valparaiso Beacons Preview
Valparaiso Beacons have a 6-8 record this season and are tied for 9th place in the MVC. They have a 5-3 home record and are coming off a 75-70 away loss against Southern Illinois. Their previous three games were a 58-48 away loss against Northern Iowa, an 85-79 home loss against Murray State and an 86-70 away loss against Northwestern.
Offensively, Valparaiso averages 71.3 points per game, while allowing 70.5 points per game defensively. The Beacons shoot with 40% from the field and grab 38.8 rebounds per game, while dishing out 12 assists per game. They average 4.4 blocks per game and 6.2 steals per game defensively.
Owen Dease leads Valparaiso in scoring, with an average of 13.2 points per game, while shooting with 53.6% from the field and 91.4% from the free throw line. Shon Tupuola is the team’s leading rebounder with 6.9 per game, while Rakim Chaney adds a team-high 3.1 assists per game.
UIC Flames Preview
UIC Flames have a 5-9 record this season and are tied for 9th place in the MVC. They have a 1-5 away record and are coming off an 81-77 home loss against Murray State. Their previous three games were a 102-64 home win against Illinois Tech, an 88-76 away loss against Charlotte and a 60-54 home loss against Northern Iowa.
Offensively, UIC averages 77.7 points per game, while allowing 74.2 points per game defensively. The Flames shoot with 44% from the field and grab 36.5 rebounds per game, while dishing out 14.3 assists per game. They average 4.4 blocks per game and 8.6 steals per game defensively.
Ahmad Henderson II leads UIC in scoring, with an average of 14.1 points per game, while shooting with 37.8% from the field and 87% from the free throw line. Mekhi Lowery is the team’s leading rebounder with 6 per game, while Ahmad Henderson II also leads the team with 2.9 assists per game.
UIC Flames @ Valparaiso Beacons Betting Trends: January 4, 2026
Why the Valparaiso Beacons will win
- UIC has lost seven of its last eight games.
- The home team has won six of Valparaiso’s last eight games.
- Valparaiso has won the first half in each of its last four home games.
Why the UIC Flames will win
- Valparaiso has lost each of its last nine day games against Conference opponents.
- UIC has won four of its last five day games against Valparaiso.
- UIC has won the first half in each of its last five games.
UIC vs Valparaiso Prediction
In this UIC vs Valparaiso Prediction, Valparaiso is coming as -3 home favorites. Both teams have almost identical overall records this season, but Valparaiso has been good at home, while UIC has been terrible on the road. Both teams have been struggling lately, as they are 1-5 and 1-7 in their last six and eight games respectively, so I see no value on either side. Both defenses have been struggling lately, as both teams have allowed 80+ points in six of their last nine games combined, so I expect a high-scoring affair today. Take the over 144.5 points.