Purdue Fort Wayne Edges Cleveland State in Close Contest
Sunday, January 4, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Memorial Coliseum (IN)
Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons 74, Cleveland State Vikings 71, 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 Cleveland State Vikings vs Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons?
Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons beat Cleveland State Vikings 74-71 at Memorial Coliseum (IN) on January 4, 2026.
Who was favored in Cleveland State Vikings vs Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons?
Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -600 (about 86% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons secured a narrow victory over the Cleveland State Vikings with a final score of 74-71. This game showcased the resilience of the Mastodons, who were looking to break a two-game losing streak, while the Vikings aimed to build on their recent win. The game took place at the Memorial Coliseum in Indiana, where Purdue Fort Wayne has performed well this season.
Purdue Fort Wayne entered the game with a home record of 9-8 and had been 6-4 in their last ten games, although they had lost their previous two outings. The Mastodons averaged 75.5 points scored per game, while allowing 76.5 points. Their recent form included a mix of results, with their last five games yielding a record of 3-2 and an average of 68.4 points scored against 72.0 points allowed. Despite their struggles, they had a strong home record of 5-1 in their last six home games.
On the other hand, Cleveland State had a record of 5-11, with a recent performance of 3-7 over their last ten games. They were coming off a win against IU Indianapolis, where they scored 99 points, showcasing their offensive capabilities. The Vikings averaged 79.6 points per game while allowing 80.9, indicating a tendency for high-scoring games. However, their away record was concerning, as they had not won any of their last four away games.
In terms of head-to-head meetings, Purdue Fort Wayne had struggled against Cleveland State, losing both previous encounters in the 2025 season. The Mastodons lost 58-68 at home and 57-68 away, which added an element of urgency to this matchup as they sought to turn the tide.
Injury-wise, the block did not provide specific details, but the performance of both teams' key players could have been influenced by their health and fitness levels leading into this game.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had Purdue Fort Wayne favored by 11.5 points, with a total set at 159.5 for the game. The odds indicated a strong expectation for the Mastodons to win, reflected in their moneyline of -600, while Cleveland State was listed at +440.
As the game unfolded, it was evident that both teams were eager to establish their rhythm. The scoring plays highlighted a back-and-forth battle in the second half. DeAndre Craig Jr. made crucial free throws down the stretch, solidifying the Mastodons' lead. Mikale Stevenson contributed with a significant three-point jumper, and Josiah Harris added vital free throws that kept Cleveland State at bay. The Vikings fought hard, with Dayan Nessah making a tip-in layup to keep the game close, but ultimately, Purdue Fort Wayne held on for the victory.
Overall, this game was a testament to the competitive nature of college basketball, with both teams displaying determination and skill. Purdue Fort Wayne's ability to secure the win despite their recent struggles will be a crucial confidence booster as they look to improve their standing in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | PFW -11.5 | 159.5 o -110 / u -110 | Cleveland State Vikings +440 · Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons -600 |
Leaders
- PointsCorey Hadnot II20Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons
- AssistsCorey Hadnot II6Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons
- ReboundsCorey Hadnot II5Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons
- PointsChevalier Emery15Cleveland State Vikings
- AssistsTre Beard5Cleveland State Vikings
- ReboundsPreist Ryan9Cleveland State Vikings
Recent form
Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons
Last 10: 6-4Streak L275.5 scored · 76.5 allowed per game5-1 at home
- L54-72vs Green Bay PhoenixJan 1
- L55-77at Milwaukee PanthersDec 30
- W72-69at Notre Dame Fighting IrishDec 21
- W81-77vs Detroit Mercy TitansDec 14
- W80-65vs Eastern Michigan EaglesDec 11
- W79-77vs Northern Kentucky NorseDec 6
- L92-101at Oakland Golden GrizzliesDec 4
- W92-59vs Holy Cross (IN) SaintsNov 28
- W90-77vs Chicago State CougarsNov 26
- L60-91at Saint Louis BillikensNov 22
Cleveland State Vikings
Last 10: 3-7Streak W179.6 scored · 80.9 allowed per game0-4 away
- W99-86vs IU Indianapolis JaguarsDec 30
- L71-81vs Milwaukee PanthersDec 21
- L77-101at UAB BlazersDec 18
- W96-52vs Oakland City Mighty OaksDec 14
- L59-71vs Detroit Mercy TitansDec 6
- L80-95at Northern Kentucky NorseDec 4
- L59-86at Missouri TigersNov 28
- W109-56vs Waynesburg Yellow JacketsNov 26
- L71-91at Kent State Golden FlashesNov 22
- L75-90vs Valparaiso BeaconsNov 20
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wright State | 23-12 | - | 15-5 |
| Robert Morris | 22-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Green Bay | 18-15 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Detroit Mercy | 17-15 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Oakland | 16-16 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Purdue Fort Wayne | 17-15 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Northern Kentucky | 20-14 | 5 | 10-10 |
| Youngstown State | 15-17 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Milwaukee | 12-20 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Cleveland State | 11-22 | 9 | 6-14 |
| IU Indianapolis | 7-25 | 12 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Cleveland State Vikings | Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 23-60 | 23-58 |
| Field goal % | 38 | 40 |
| Three-pointers | 16-42 | 11-37 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 30 |
| Free throws | 9-11 | 17-21 |
| Free throw % | 82 | 81 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 27 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 19 |
| Assists | 16 | 15 |
| Steals | 3 | 7 |
| Blocks | 0 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 22 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 12 | 24 |
| Fouls | 22 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 16 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 70 | 22 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half43-29Chevalier Emery makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jaidon Lipscomb assists)
- 1st Half43-32DeAndre Craig Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Maximus Nelson assists)
- 2nd Half43-35DeAndre Craig Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Corey Hadnot II assists)
- 2nd Half46-35Josiah Harris makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half46-38Maximus Nelson makes 25-foot three point jumper (DeAndre Craig Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half49-38Preist Ryan makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tre Beard assists)
- 2nd Half49-40Darius Duffy makes 2-foot dunk (Corey Hadnot II assists)
- 2nd Half49-42Darius Duffy makes 4-foot dunk (Mikale Stevenson assists)
- 2nd Half49-44Corey Hadnot II makes driving layup
- 2nd Half52-44Foster Wonders makes 25-foot three point jumper (Preist Ryan assists)
- 2nd Half52-46Corey Hadnot II makes driving layup
- 2nd Half52-48Corey Hadnot II makes driving layup
- 2nd Half52-50Corey Hadnot II makes driving layup (DeAndre Craig Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half52-51Corey Hadnot II makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half55-51Jaidon Lipscomb makes 28-foot three point jumper (Tre Beard assists)
- 2nd Half58-51Jaidon Lipscomb makes 25-foot three point jumper (Preist Ryan assists)
- 2nd Half60-51Chevalier Emery makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-52Maximus Nelson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-53Maximus Nelson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-54Corey Hadnot II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-55Corey Hadnot II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-55Tre Beard makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaidon Lipscomb assists)
- 2nd Half65-55Foster Wonders makes 10-foot jumper (Dayan Nessah assists)
- 2nd Half65-56Corey Hadnot II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-57Corey Hadnot II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-59Corey Hadnot II makes driving layup
- 2nd Half65-61Mikale Stevenson makes driving layup (Corey Hadnot II assists)
- 2nd Half66-61Chevalier Emery makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-61Chevalier Emery makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-63Mikale Stevenson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half67-64Mikale Stevenson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half67-66DeAndre Craig Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half67-68DeAndre Craig Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half67-71Mikale Stevenson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Corey Hadnot II assists)
- 2nd Half68-71Josiah Harris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-71Josiah Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-72Darius Duffy makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-72Dayan Nessah makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half71-73DeAndre Craig Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-74DeAndre Craig Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons, below favours Cleveland State Vikings.
Venue
- Memorial Coliseum (IN)Fort Wayne, IN
- Attendance1528
- OfficialsNate Harris, Kelly Pfeifer, Ben Syroka
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
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- Mastodons Edge Vikings in High-Scoring ContestFeb 22, 2026