NCAAB · Final

Valparaiso Beacons Defeat Bradley Braves 79-72

Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Athletics-Recreation Center

Valparaiso Beacons 79, Bradley Braves 72, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Bradley Braves vs Valparaiso Beacons?

Valparaiso Beacons beat Bradley Braves 79-72 at Athletics-Recreation Center on February 18, 2026.

Who was favored in Bradley Braves vs Valparaiso Beacons?

Bradley Braves were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The underdog won.

In a thrilling matchup at the Athletics-Recreation Center, the Valparaiso Beacons triumphed over the Bradley Braves with a final score of 79-72. This victory marks a significant achievement for Valparaiso, who had struggled in their previous encounters against Bradley, losing the last four meetings. The Beacons entered the game with a home record of 15-13, while the Braves boasted an away record of 18-10.

Valparaiso's recent form has shown promise, as they have a record of 6-4 in their last ten games, including a current winning streak of one game. They averaged 70.6 points scored while allowing 70.7 points per game during this stretch. Their last five games have seen them score an average of 71.2 points, with a record of 3-2. Notably, they had recently defeated the Indiana State Sycamores 76-75 in their last outing on February 15.

On the other hand, Bradley came into the game with a record of 7-3 over their last ten games and a two-game winning streak. They averaged 74.9 points scored and 74.3 points allowed during this period. The Braves' last five games featured an average score of 74.6 points, and they had recently won against Southern Illinois Salukis 70-60.

Historically, the Beacons have struggled against the Braves, with a head-to-head record of 0-4 in their last four meetings. Their most recent encounter prior to this game was on February 4, 2026, where Valparaiso lost 65-72 at Bradley. The previous matchups also included losses in the 2025 season, where they fell 65-70 and 65-76, among others.

In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details affecting either team, which could have implications for their performance. However, the absence of key players can often influence game outcomes, particularly in tightly contested matchups.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Bradley favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 142.5. The odds indicated a moneyline of +130.0 for Valparaiso and -155.0 for Bradley, reflecting the Braves' status as the favored team. Such odds often reflect the teams' recent performances and expectations from the betting community.

The conditions during the game were conducive to a competitive atmosphere, with both teams looking to assert dominance. Valparaiso's ability to perform well at home has been a factor in their success, as they held a home record of 4-1 in their last five games leading up to this matchup.

As the game progressed, key moments included a series of free throws that helped Valparaiso maintain their lead. Notable scoring plays in the second half included Rakim Chaney and Sader Servilus contributing crucial free throws that pushed the Beacons ahead. Chaney's performance at the line was particularly impactful, as he made several free throws in the closing moments, solidifying the Beacons' victory.

Viewers should have noted the intensity of the game, especially given the rivalry and the stakes involved. Valparaiso's ability to overcome their previous struggles against Bradley and secure a win at home adds an exciting chapter to their season. This game not only highlights the competitive nature of NCAAB but also showcases the resilience of the Beacons as they look to build on this momentum.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	BRAD -2.5	142.5 o -110 / u -110	Bradley Braves -155 · Valparaiso Beacons +130

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsJT Pettigrew22Valparaiso Beacons
AssistsRakim Chaney5Valparaiso Beacons
ReboundsJT Pettigrew5Valparaiso Beacons
PointsAlex Huibregtse22Bradley Braves
AssistsMontana Wheeler3Bradley Braves
ReboundsAJ Smith11Bradley Braves

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