| MATCHUP | Valparaiso Beacons | Illinois State Redbirds |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 13-12 | 16-9 |
| Spread | +8.5 -108 | -8.5 -112 |
| Moneyline | +350 | -455 |
| Total | Over 137.5 (-115) | Under 137.5 (-105) |
| Where | CEFCU Arena, Normal, IL | |
| When | Thursday, February 12, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Valparaiso Crusaders Betting Preview
The Valparaiso Crusaders beat Evansville and Drake, and they play Indiana State next. Valparaiso has won 5 of its last 7 games.
The Valparaiso Crusaders are averaging 71.4 points on 41.8 percent shooting and allowing 70.2 points on 43.4 percent shooting. Owen Dease is averaging 14.2 points and 3.6 rebounds, while JT Pettigrew is averaging 11.2 points and 6.3 rebounds. Rakim Chaney is the third double-digit scorer and Justus McNair is grabbing 2 rebounds. The Valparaiso Crusaders are shooting 32.3 percent from beyond the arc and 71.2 percent from the free throw line. The Valparaiso Crusaders are allowing 31.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 33.2 rebounds per game.
Illinois State Redbirds Betting Preview
The Illinois State Redbirds lost to Evansville, beat Drake, and play UIC next. Illinois State has split its last 8 games.
The Illinois State Redbirds are averaging 76.8 points on 47.1 percent shooting and allowing 67.6 points on 42.3 percent shooting. Chase Walker is averaging 13.8 points and 5.5 rebounds, while Johnny Kinziger is averaging 11.2 points and 2.6 rebounds. Ty’Reek Coleman is the third double-digit scorer, and Boden Skunberg is grabbing 4.4 rebounds. The Illinois State Redbirds are shooting 35.7 percent from beyond the arc and 68.6 percent from the free throw line. The Illinois State Redbirds are allowing 32.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 34.4 rebounds per game.
Why the Illinois State Redbirds will win
- Illinois State has won 12 of its last 14 games at CEFCU Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Valparaiso has lost the first half in each of its last six road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the Valparaiso Beacons will win
- Valparaiso has won 13 of its last 15 games against Illinois State.
Total Points Facts
- Ten of Illinois State’s last 12 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents at CEFCU Arena have produced a total of 141+ points.
- Five of Valparaiso’s last six road games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 145+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Illinois State ranks 45th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (69.3%).
- Illinois State ranks T49th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (6.6).
- Valparaiso ranks T49th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (6.6).
- Valparaiso ranks 50th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (69.5%).
Valparaiso vs Illinois State Prediction
Illinois State is getting the benefit of the doubt because it’s at home, but we’ve already seen Valparaiso upset the Redbirds once this season. Valparaiso has also won 8 of the last 10 games against Illinois State, and is 9-0-1 ATS in those 10 meetings. Valparaiso is also 17-7 ATS on the season. Valparaiso is one of seven teams in college basketball with a cover percentage of at least 70 percent. I’m going to grab the points with Valparaiso.