Valparaiso Edges Indiana State in Nail-Biter
Thursday, March 5, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Enterprise Center
Valparaiso Beacons 63, Indiana State Sycamores 62, 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 Indiana State Sycamores vs Valparaiso Beacons?
Valparaiso Beacons beat Indiana State Sycamores 63-62 at Enterprise Center on March 5, 2026.
Who was favored in Indiana State Sycamores vs Valparaiso Beacons?
Valparaiso Beacons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Valparaiso Beacons secured a narrow victory over the Indiana State Sycamores, finishing the game with a score of 63-62. This result is particularly noteworthy as it highlights the competitive nature of their recent encounters, with Valparaiso now leading the head-to-head record 3-1 over the last two seasons.
Valparaiso entered the game with a home record of 18-14, showcasing a strong performance at the Enterprise Center. Their recent form included a record of 7-3 over the last ten games, although they were coming off a loss in their previous outing against the Evansville Purple Aces. The Beacons averaged 73.5 points scored while allowing 73.4 points in that stretch. In their last five games, they maintained a record of 4-1, with an average of 75.8 points scored and 73.0 points allowed. At home, they were particularly formidable, boasting a 4-0 record in their last four home games.
In contrast, the Indiana State Sycamores struggled throughout the season, finishing with an away record of 11-21. Their recent form was less than favorable, with a record of 2-8 in their last ten games, although they managed to snap a five-game losing streak with a win against the UIC Flames just prior to this matchup. The Sycamores averaged 70.6 points scored and allowed 74.2 points during this stretch. Their last five games yielded a record of 1-4, with an average of 67.8 points scored and 74.6 points allowed. They faced challenges on the road, holding a 1-4 record in their last five away games.
The two teams had met just a few weeks prior on February 15, 2026, where Valparaiso emerged victorious with a score of 76-75. This recent history added an extra layer of intensity to their latest encounter, as both teams were familiar with each other's playing styles and strategies.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability, which can often play a crucial role in the outcome of games. However, the absence of key players can significantly impact team performance and dynamics.
From a betting perspective, DraftKings set the odds with Valparaiso favored by 2.5 points, while the total for the game was set at 140.5. The moneyline reflected Valparaiso at -142.0 and Indiana State at 120.0, indicating a slight preference for the Beacons to win outright.
The game was played under competitive conditions, and the atmosphere at the Enterprise Center was charged with anticipation. Fans were treated to a thrilling display of basketball, characterized by back-and-forth scoring and clutch plays. As the game neared its conclusion, Valparaiso managed to pull ahead with crucial free throws, including a 24-foot three-point jumper by Sader Servilus that tied the game at 62 before Valparaiso took the lead.
As the final minutes unfolded, the tension was palpable, with both teams exchanging free throws in a bid to secure victory. Ultimately, Valparaiso's ability to capitalize on critical scoring opportunities in the closing moments proved decisive, allowing them to clinch the win.
Fans and analysts alike will take note of this matchup as a testament to the fierce rivalry between these two programs, with Valparaiso demonstrating resilience and determination to secure a hard-fought victory.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | VAL -2.5 | 140.5 o -110 / u -110 | Indiana State Sycamores +120 · Valparaiso Beacons -142 |
Leaders
- PointsRakim Chaney18Valparaiso Beacons
- AssistsRakim Chaney5Valparaiso Beacons
- ReboundsJT Pettigrew7Valparaiso Beacons
- PointsCamp Wagner13Indiana State Sycamores
- AssistsJo Van Buggenhout5Indiana State Sycamores
- ReboundsCamp Wagner8Indiana State Sycamores
Recent form
Valparaiso Beacons
Last 10: 7-3Streak L173.5 scored · 73.4 allowed per game4-0 at home
- L79-80at Evansville Purple AcesFeb 28
- W74-71vs Drake BulldogsFeb 26
- 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
Indiana State Sycamores
Last 10: 2-8Streak W170.6 scored · 74.2 allowed per game1-4 away
- W79-63vs UIC FlamesMar 1
- L55-66at Southern Illinois SalukisFeb 26
- L70-87at Belmont BruinsFeb 22
- L60-81vs Northern Iowa PanthersFeb 19
- L75-76at Valparaiso BeaconsFeb 15
- L72-74vs Murray State RacersFeb 13
- L65-80vs Southern Illinois SalukisFeb 10
- W84-63at Evansville Purple AcesFeb 4
- L72-76vs Valparaiso BeaconsJan 31
- L74-76at UIC FlamesJan 28
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 | Indiana State Sycamores | Valparaiso Beacons |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-56 | 21-57 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 37 |
| Three-pointers | 7-23 | 8-23 |
| Three-point % | 30 | 35 |
| Free throws | 3-4 | 13-22 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 59 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 16 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 19 |
| Assists | 19 | 12 |
| Steals | 4 | 8 |
| Blocks | 7 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 26 |
| Fouls | 18 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 1 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 88 | 5 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half30-23Justus McNair makes driving layup
- 1st Half32-23Enel St. Bernard makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 1st Half34-23Bruno Alocen makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
- 1st Half34-25Carter Hopoi makes 0-foot dunk (Rakim Chaney assists)
- 1st Half37-25Camp Wagner makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ian Scott assists)
- 1st Half37-28Rakim Chaney makes 25-foot three point jumper (Justus McNair assists)
- 2nd Half37-31JT Pettigrew makes 23-foot three point jumper (Owen Dease assists)
- 2nd Half37-33JT Pettigrew makes driving layup (Owen Dease assists)
- 2nd Half37-35JT Pettigrew makes layup
- 2nd Half39-35Ian Scott makes layup (Xavier Hall assists)
- 2nd Half41-35Camp Wagner makes layup (Jo Van Buggenhout assists)
- 2nd Half41-38Rakim Chaney makes 23-foot three point jumper (Shon Tupuola assists)
- 2nd Half43-38Enel St. Bernard makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half45-38Markus Harding makes driving layup (Camp Wagner assists)
- 2nd Half45-39Brody Whitaker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-40Brody Whitaker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-40Enel St. Bernard makes layup
- 2nd Half50-40Jo Van Buggenhout makes 23-foot three point jumper (Enel St. Bernard assists)
- 2nd Half50-42Rakim Chaney makes layup
- 2nd Half50-44Rakim Chaney makes 10-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half52-44Enel St. Bernard makes layup (Jo Van Buggenhout assists)
- 2nd Half52-45Rakim Chaney makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-46Rakim Chaney makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-46Bruno Alocen makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jo Van Buggenhout assists)
- 2nd Half55-47Sader Servilus makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-48Sader Servilus makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-48Camp Wagner makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ian Scott assists)
- 2nd Half58-50Owen Dease makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-51JT Pettigrew makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-53Shon Tupuola makes 13-foot jumper (Rakim Chaney assists)
- 2nd Half60-53Ian Scott makes driving layup (Xavier Hall assists)
- 2nd Half60-55JT Pettigrew makes layup (Sader Servilus assists)
- 2nd Half61-55Bruno Alocen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-55Bruno Alocen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-56Sader Servilus makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-57Sader Servilus makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-58JT Pettigrew makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-59JT Pettigrew makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-62Sader Servilus makes 24-foot three point jumper (Rakim Chaney assists)
- 2nd Half62-63Owen Dease makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Valparaiso Beacons, below favours Indiana State Sycamores.
Venue
- Enterprise CenterSt. Louis, MO
- Attendance8960
- OfficialsJeff Campbell, Kipp Kissinger, James Duke
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