| MATCHUP | Valparaiso Beacons | UIC Flames |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 15-13 | 16-12 |
| Spread | +7.5 -105 | -7.5 -115 |
| Moneyline | +285 | -360 |
| Total | Over 138.5 (-110) | Under 138.5 (-110) |
| Where | Credit Union 1 Arena, Chicago, IL | |
| When | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | |
| Time | 03:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Valparaiso Crusaders Betting Preview
The Valparaiso Crusaders beat Indiana State and Bradley, and they play Drake next. Valparaiso has won 4 of its last 5 games.
The Valparaiso Crusaders are averaging 71.6 points on 42.2 percent shooting and allowing 71 points on 44.2 percent shooting. Owen Dease is averaging 13.5 points and 3.4 rebounds, while JT Pettigrew is averaging 11.9 points and 6.6 rebounds. Rakim Chaney is the third double-digit scorer, and Brody Whitaker is grabbing 2.8 rebounds. The Valparaiso Crusaders are shooting 33.1 percent from beyond the arc and 69.8 percent from the free throw line. The Valparaiso Crusaders are allowing 32 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 32.6 rebounds per game.
UIC Flames Betting Preview
The UIC Flames beat Illinois State and Evansville, and they play Bradley next. UIC has won 11 of its last 13 games.
The UIC Flames are averaging 75.4 points on 45.1 percent shooting and allowing 68.9 points on 42.1 percent shooting. Ahmad Henderson II is averaging 12.4 points and 1.6 rebounds, while Elijah Crawford is averaging 12 points and 2.7 rebounds. Andy Johnson is the third double-digit scorer, and Mekhi Lowery is dishing 2.1 assists. The UIC Flames are shooting 32.7 percent from beyond the arc and 73.6 percent from the free throw line. The UIC Flames are allowing 31.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 32.8 rebounds per game.
Why the UIC Flames will win
- Valparaiso has lost each of its last four games at Credit Union 1 Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- UIC has won 11 of its last 13 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Valparaiso has lost the first half in each of its last four games at Credit Union 1 Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the Valparaiso Beacons will win
- Valparaiso has won four of its last five games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Valparaiso vs UIC Prediction
UIC is a respectable team that should be favored at home. However, we’re getting a lot of points with a Valparaiso team that already beat UIC this season and is 18-9 ATS on the season. With a cover percentage of 66.6 percent, Valparaiso is one of the best bets in college basketball. Valparaiso is 9-2 ATS as an underdog under the 2026 calendar, and 5 of those covers were outright wins. I’m going to continue riding the cash cow and will grab the points with Valparaiso.