Valparaiso vs Southern Illinois Prediction 1/1/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Valparaiso vs Southern Illinois prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, January 1st at the Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Valparaiso Beacons Betting Preview

The Valparaiso Beacons are 6-7 (0-2) this season after they lost to Northern Iowa by a score of 58-48 in their last game. Valparaiso was tied at 22 at halftime, but they were outscored 36-26 in the second half for the loss. The Beacons shot 29% from the field, 13% on three pointers, and 79% on free throws in the game. Owen Dease led Valpo with 18 points and five rebounds, while JT Pettigrew added six points and seven rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Valparaiso lost to Murray State by a score of 85-79 and Northwestern by a score of 86-70. The Beacons have scored 71.4 points per game with 38.2 rebounds and 12.3 assists per game, while they have allowed 70.2 points against per game this season. Owen Dease is averaging 12.1 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, while Rakim Chaney is averaging 10.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game for the Beacons. Valparaiso is shooting 40.9% from the field, 70.2% on free throws, and 29.5% on three pointers this season. 

Southern Illinois Salukis Betting Preview

The Southern Illinois Salukis are 6-8 (0-3) this year after they lost to Murray State by a score of 84-81 in their last game. Southern Illinois trailed 47-34 at halftime, but they did score 47 points in the second half in the close loss. The Salukis shot 49% from the field, 38% on three pointers, and 71% on free throws in the game. Prince Aligbe led SIU with 19 points and nine rebounds, while Quel’Ron House added 15 points and four rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Southern Illinois lost to Bradley by a score of 73-69 and Illinois State by a score of 75-68. The Salukis have scored 78.9 points per game with 39.2 rebounds and 14.0 assists per game, while they have allowed 74.3 points against per game this season. Quel’Ron House is averaging 14.7 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, while Drew Steffe is averaging 9.6 points and 2.6 assists per game for the Salukis. Southern Illinois is shooting 48.7% from the field, 67.3% on free throws, and 27.8% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Southern Illinois Salukis will win

• Valparaiso has lost each of its last eight day games against the Missouri Valley Conference.
• Southern Illinois has won five of its last six games at Banterra Center.
• Valparaiso has lost the first half in five of its last six games at Banterra Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Valparaiso Beacons will win

• Southern Illinois has lost each of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Southern Illinois has lost the first half in three of its last four games against the Missouri Valley Conference.

Total Points Facts

• Twenty-five of Southern Illinois’ last 27 day games against the Missouri Valley Conference at Banterra Center have produced a total of 146 or fewer points.
• Four of Valparaiso’s last five games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 135 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Southern Illinois ranks T360th among Division 1 teams for three-point percentage this season (27.8%).
• Valparaiso ranks T43rd among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (6.4).

Valparaiso vs Southern Illinois Prediction 

Both of these teams come into this matchup looking to snap four game losing streaks and one side will get their first conference win here. Valparaiso is shooting 41% from the field and they scored just 48 points in their last game. Southern Illinois is shooting 49% from the field and their last two losses have been by a combined seven points. I do think SIU is the better team and I like them to win, but with two bad teams, I will take the points with Valparaiso in this one.

David Racey's Pick: Valparaiso +8.5