NCAAB · Final

Valparaiso Beacons Edge UIC Flames in Close Contest

Sunday, January 4, 2026, 3:00 PM ET · Athletics-Recreation Center

Valparaiso Beacons 66, UIC Flames 59, 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 UIC Flames vs Valparaiso Beacons?

Valparaiso Beacons beat UIC Flames 66-59 at Athletics-Recreation Center on January 4, 2026.

Who was favored in UIC Flames vs Valparaiso Beacons?

Valparaiso Beacons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The favorite won.

In a tightly contested matchup, the Valparaiso Beacons defeated the UIC Flames 66-59 at the Athletics-Recreation Center on January 4, 2026. This victory marks a much-needed win for Valparaiso, who had been struggling with a five-game losing streak prior to this game. The Beacons improved their record to 8-8, while the Flames fell to 5-11 with this loss.

Valparaiso's recent form had been concerning, with a record of 3-7 over their last ten games. Their scoring average in this stretch was 73.7 points per game, but they had been allowing 70.4 points, indicating a struggle on both ends of the court. The Beacons had been particularly challenged in their last five games, where they averaged just 67.4 points while giving up 75.4 points. In contrast, UIC had a record of 2-8 in their last ten games, averaging 75.9 points scored but allowing 77.4 points, showcasing their own defensive issues. The Flames had lost their last game against Murray State, 77-81, and were looking to turn their fortunes around.

At home, Valparaiso had a record of 2-3 in their last five games, while UIC struggled on the road with an 0-4 record in their last four away games. Historically, the Beacons had faced the Flames three times in the previous season, with a head-to-head record of 1-2, including a loss in their last meeting on March 2, 2025, where Valparaiso fell 73-77.

In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any players missing from either team, suggesting both squads were at full strength for this matchup. This was an important factor as both teams aimed to establish momentum in the league.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Valparaiso favored by 2.5 points with a total set at 144.5. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, with Valparaiso's moneyline at -155 and UIC's at +130.

The game conditions were not detailed, but the indoor setting of the Athletics-Recreation Center typically provides a controlled environment for basketball, free from weather-related disruptions.

As the game unfolded, key moments included free throws from Justus McNair and JT Pettigrew, which helped Valparaiso maintain their lead in the second half. McNair's contributions from the charity stripe were crucial in sealing the victory as he made several important free throws in the closing minutes of the game. The Beacons' ability to convert free throws under pressure was a significant factor in their success.

Overall, the matchup between Valparaiso and UIC was a critical clash for both teams, with the Beacons managing to halt their losing streak and the Flames continuing to seek answers for their struggles on the court.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	VAL -2.5	144.5 o -110 / u -110	UIC Flames +130 · Valparaiso Beacons -155

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

Leaders

PointsJT Pettigrew21Valparaiso Beacons
AssistsJT Pettigrew3Valparaiso Beacons
ReboundsJT Pettigrew7Valparaiso Beacons
PointsAbdul Momoh13UIC Flames
AssistsElijah Crawford6UIC Flames
ReboundsAbdul Momoh6UIC Flames

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