Valparaiso Edges Drake in Thrilling Finish
Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Athletics-Recreation Center
Valparaiso Beacons 74, Drake Bulldogs 71, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Drake Bulldogs vs Valparaiso Beacons?
Valparaiso Beacons beat Drake Bulldogs 74-71 at Athletics-Recreation Center on February 25, 2026.
Who was favored in Drake Bulldogs vs Valparaiso Beacons?
Valparaiso Beacons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -148 (about 60% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Valparaiso Beacons triumphed over the Drake Bulldogs with a final score of 74-71 at the Athletics-Recreation Center. This victory marks an important moment for Valparaiso, who has been on a strong run lately, winning their last three games and improving their overall record to 17-13. In contrast, Drake has struggled significantly, suffering their seventh consecutive loss, which brings their record to 12-18.
Valparaiso's recent form has been impressive, with a record of 7-3 over their last ten games. They have averaged 72.8 points scored while allowing 72.4 points per game during this stretch. Notably, their last five games have seen them average 74.2 points scored, indicating a potent offensive display. Their home record stands at 4-1 in the last five games, showcasing their strength at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The Beacons have been particularly effective at home, where they have secured crucial victories against teams like Bradley and Indiana State.
On the other hand, Drake's recent performance has been disappointing, with a record of just 3-7 in their last ten outings. They have averaged 76.7 points scored but have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 81.9 points per game. Their last five games have been especially troubling, as they have not secured a single victory, averaging only 69.0 points scored while conceding 79.8 points. Their away record reflects their struggles, with only one win in their last five away games.
The two teams had previously met just a few weeks prior, on February 10, 2026, where Valparaiso also emerged victorious with a score of 81-76. This latest win further solidifies Valparaiso's edge in their recent head-to-head encounters, now leading the season series 2-1. Overall, in the last three matchups, Valparaiso holds a 1-2 record against Drake.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any players missing from either team, suggesting both squads were at full strength for this pivotal game. The conditions for the game were typical for a mid-season college basketball matchup, with both teams looking to solidify their standings as the season progresses.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Valparaiso favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 146.5. The odds reflected a close contest, which was indeed the case as the game unfolded. Valparaiso's moneyline was listed at -148.0, while Drake's was at 124.0, indicating a slight edge for the home team.
As the game progressed, it featured several key moments that defined the outcome. With Drake leading 71-69 late in the second half, Valparaiso made a crucial comeback. Shon Tupuola's layup tied the game at 71, followed by JT Pettigrew's clutch 28-foot three-pointer that secured the win for Valparaiso. The scoring plays in the final minutes highlighted the tension and competitiveness of the matchup, showcasing the resilience of the Beacons as they fought back to clinch the victory.
Overall, this game was a testament to Valparaiso's current form and ability to perform under pressure, while it underscored the challenges facing Drake as they continue to seek answers to halt their losing streak.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | VAL -2.5 | 146.5 o -115 / u -105 | Drake Bulldogs +124 · Valparaiso Beacons -148 |
Leaders
- PointsRakim Chaney17Valparaiso Beacons
- AssistsJT Pettigrew4Valparaiso Beacons
- ReboundsJT Pettigrew7Valparaiso Beacons
- PointsOwen Larson18Drake Bulldogs
- AssistsEli Shetlar5Drake Bulldogs
- ReboundsEli Shetlar6Drake Bulldogs
Recent form
Valparaiso Beacons
Last 10: 7-3Streak W372.8 scored · 72.4 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W71-67at UIC FlamesFeb 21
- W79-72vs Bradley BravesFeb 19
- W76-75vs Indiana State SycamoresFeb 15
- L64-86at Illinois State RedbirdsFeb 13
- W81-76at Drake BulldogsFeb 10
- W70-63vs Evansville Purple AcesFeb 7
- L65-72at Bradley BravesFeb 4
- W76-72at Indiana State SycamoresJan 31
- L77-78vs Belmont BruinsJan 29
- W69-63vs Southern Illinois SalukisJan 22
Drake Bulldogs
Last 10: 3-7Streak L776.7 scored · 81.9 allowed per game1-3 away
- L61-66vs Southern Illinois SalukisFeb 19
- L62-86at Northern Iowa PanthersFeb 15
- L70-80vs UIC FlamesFeb 13
- L76-81vs Valparaiso BeaconsFeb 10
- L76-86at Illinois State RedbirdsFeb 7
- L90-103at Belmont BruinsFeb 4
- L73-87vs Bradley BravesJan 31
- W82-78vs Evansville Purple AcesJan 29
- W76-62at Indiana State SycamoresJan 24
- W101-90vs Murray State RacersJan 22
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont | 26-6 | - | 16-4 |
| Bradley | 21-13 | 3 | 13-7 |
| Illinois State | 23-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Murray State | 20-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| UIC | 19-16 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Northern Iowa | 23-13 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Valparaiso | 18-15 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Southern Illinois | 16-16 | 6 | 10-10 |
| Drake | 14-20 | 10 | 6-14 |
| Indiana State | 11-21 | 12 | 4-16 |
| Evansville | 7-25 | 13 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Drake Bulldogs | Valparaiso Beacons |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-56 | 24-54 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 8-22 | 12-28 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 43 |
| Free throws | 9-13 | 14-17 |
| Free throw % | 69 | 82 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 19 |
| Assists | 14 | 14 |
| Steals | 4 | 3 |
| Blocks | 2 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 5 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 18 |
| Fouls | 16 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 11 | 11 |
| Time in front | 76 | 14 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half37-36Brody Whitaker makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half37-37Shon Tupuola makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half37-38Shon Tupuola makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half37-39JT Pettigrew makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half37-40JT Pettigrew makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-40Owen Larson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half41-40Isaiah Carr makes driving layup
- 2nd Half41-42Brody Whitaker makes 17-foot jumper
- 2nd Half43-42Isaiah Carr makes layup (Eli Shetlar assists)
- 2nd Half43-45Brody Whitaker makes 27-foot three point jumper (Shon Tupuola assists)
- 2nd Half45-45Owen Larson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-47Shon Tupuola makes layup (Brody Whitaker assists)
- 2nd Half47-47Owen Larson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-47Griffen Goodbary makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jalen Quinn assists)
- 2nd Half50-50Rakim Chaney makes 25-foot three point jumper (JT Pettigrew assists)
- 2nd Half50-51Carter Hopoi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-52Carter Hopoi makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-52Owen Larson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Okku Federiko assists)
- 2nd Half56-52Griffen Goodbary makes 24-foot three point jumper (Owen Larson assists)
- 2nd Half56-54Justus McNair makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half58-54Isaiah Carr makes layup
- 2nd Half58-56Rakim Chaney makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half61-56Okku Federiko makes 25-foot three point jumper (Eli Shetlar assists)
- 2nd Half62-56Owen Larson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-56Owen Larson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-59Brody Whitaker makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half65-59Griffen Goodbary makes 3-foot dunk (Eli Shetlar assists)
- 2nd Half65-61Rakim Chaney makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half66-61Eli Shetlar makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half67-61Eli Shetlar makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half67-63JT Pettigrew makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-63Jaehshon Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-63Jaehshon Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-64JT Pettigrew makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-65JT Pettigrew makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-67Shon Tupuola makes 5-foot hook shot (Brody Whitaker assists)
- 2nd Half71-67Isaiah Carr makes 4-foot dunk (Jalen Quinn assists)
- 2nd Half71-69Rakim Chaney makes driving layup
- 2nd Half71-71Shon Tupuola makes layup (Rakim Chaney assists)
- 2nd Half71-74JT Pettigrew makes 28-foot three point jumper (Brody Whitaker assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Valparaiso Beacons, below favours Drake Bulldogs.
Venue
- Athletics-Recreation CenterValparaiso, IN
- Attendance1835
- OfficialsJeff Campbell, Edwin Young, Robert Felder
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- 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