Belmont Bruins Edge Valparaiso Beacons in Close Contest
Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Curb Event Center Arena
Belmont Bruins 78, Valparaiso Beacons 74, 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 Valparaiso Beacons vs Belmont Bruins?
Belmont Bruins beat Valparaiso Beacons 78-74 at Curb Event Center Arena on January 13, 2026.
Who was favored in Valparaiso Beacons vs Belmont Bruins?
Belmont Bruins were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -750 (about 88% implied). The favorite won.
The Belmont Bruins secured a narrow victory over the Valparaiso Beacons, finishing the game with a score of 78-74. This matchup was held at the Curb Event Center Arena, showcasing the Bruins' strong home performance against the Beacons, who have struggled on the road this season. Belmont entered the game with a home record of 16-3 and had been performing well recently, boasting a record of 7-3 in their last ten games, including a two-game winning streak. They averaged 80.4 points scored and allowed 73.4 points during this stretch, indicating a potent offense paired with a defense that has been tested.
In contrast, Valparaiso had a tougher time this season, with an overall record of 8-10 and a recent form of 3-7 in their last ten games, experiencing a one-game losing streak prior to this matchup. The Beacons averaged 72.9 points scored and 73.2 points allowed in their recent games, reflecting a team that has struggled to find consistency, particularly in away games where they were 0-5.
The two teams had met previously in the 2025 season, splitting their two encounters. Belmont won the first matchup at home with a score of 71-64, while Valparaiso triumphed in the second game, winning 101-86 at home. This history added a layer of intrigue to their latest meeting.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details on player availability, but it is crucial for teams to manage their rosters effectively, especially as the season progresses and fatigue sets in.
The betting market reflected Belmont's strong position, with DraftKings listing them as 11.5-point favorites, suggesting confidence in their ability to secure a win. The total points for the game were set at 146.5, indicating expectations for a competitive scoring affair.
As the game unfolded, it was a closely contested battle, with both teams exchanging leads. Key moments included a crucial free throw by Owen Dease that brought Valparaiso within one point at 70-69, followed by a layup from Drew Scharnowski that extended Belmont's lead to 72-69. The Beacons responded with a three-pointer from Rakim Chaney, tying the game at 72-72. The final minutes saw both teams trading baskets, but Belmont managed to pull ahead with free throws from Tyler Lundblade, sealing the victory at 78-74.
Overall, this game highlighted Belmont's resilience at home and Valparaiso's ongoing challenges on the road, setting the stage for both teams' upcoming fixtures as they look to improve their standings in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BEL -11.5 | 146.5 o -110 / u -110 | Valparaiso Beacons +525 · Belmont Bruins -750 |
Leaders
- PointsJabez Jenkins17Belmont Bruins
- AssistsJabez Jenkins3Belmont Bruins
- ReboundsDrew Scharnowski7Belmont Bruins
- PointsOwen Dease24Valparaiso Beacons
- AssistsRakim Chaney4Valparaiso Beacons
- ReboundsJT Pettigrew12Valparaiso Beacons
Recent form
Belmont Bruins
Last 10: 7-3Streak W280.4 scored · 73.4 allowed per game2-2 at home
- W78-76at Drake BulldogsJan 10
- W78-65at Northern Iowa PanthersJan 8
- L67-68vs Southern Illinois SalukisJan 4
- W88-78vs Bradley BravesJan 2
- L80-81at Indiana State SycamoresDec 30
- W84-58at UC Irvine AnteatersDec 20
- W83-78at Evansville Purple AcesDec 17
- W87-84vs UIC FlamesDec 13
- W83-62at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersDec 7
- L76-84vs Richmond SpidersDec 4
Valparaiso Beacons
Last 10: 3-7Streak L172.9 scored · 73.2 allowed per game0-5 away
- L79-92at Murray State RacersJan 10
- W77-71vs Illinois State RedbirdsJan 8
- W66-59vs UIC FlamesJan 4
- L70-75at Southern Illinois SalukisJan 1
- L48-58at Northern Iowa PanthersDec 30
- L79-85vs Murray State RacersDec 21
- L70-86at Northwestern WildcatsDec 17
- L70-73vs UNC Wilmington SeahawksDec 13
- W98-58vs Calumet St. Joseph Crimson WaveDec 6
- L72-75at Marquette Golden EaglesDec 3
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 | Valparaiso Beacons | Belmont Bruins |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-62 | 32-57 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 56 |
| Three-pointers | 12-31 | 8-20 |
| Three-point % | 39 | 40 |
| Free throws | 8-15 | 6-6 |
| Free throw % | 53 | 100 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 24 |
| Assists | 16 | 17 |
| Steals | 5 | 3 |
| Blocks | 1 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 0 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 20 | 46 |
| Fouls | 11 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 12 |
| Lead changes | 11 | 11 |
| Time in front | 10 | 79 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half36-39Eoin Dillon makes 24-foot three point jumper (Brigham Rogers assists)
- 1st Half39-39Rakim Chaney makes 25-foot three point jumper (Owen Dease assists)
- 1st Half39-41Jabez Jenkins makes 5-foot jumper
- 2nd Half39-43Sam Orme makes 6-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half42-43JT Pettigrew makes 25-foot three point jumper (Rakim Chaney assists)
- 2nd Half42-45Isaiah West makes driving layup (Sam Orme assists)
- 2nd Half42-47Drew Scharnowski makes 4-foot dunk (Jabez Jenkins assists)
- 2nd Half45-47Owen Dease makes 24-foot three point jumper (Brody Whitaker assists)
- 2nd Half45-49Jabez Jenkins makes 10-foot jumper (Sam Orme assists)
- 2nd Half45-51Brigham Rogers makes layup (Isaiah West assists)
- 2nd Half47-51Sader Servilus makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half49-51Rakim Chaney makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half49-54Jack Smiley makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half50-54Justus McNair makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-56Jabez Jenkins makes layup
- 2nd Half50-58Jack Smiley makes 16-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half50-59Isaiah West makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-60Isaiah West makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-60Tucker Tornatta makes layup (JT Pettigrew assists)
- 2nd Half52-62Eoin Dillon makes layup (Jabez Jenkins assists)
- 2nd Half54-62Owen Dease makes 5-foot jumper
- 2nd Half54-64Brigham Rogers makes driving layup
- 2nd Half54-66Brigham Rogers makes layup
- 2nd Half57-66Rakim Chaney makes 24-foot three point jumper (Owen Dease assists)
- 2nd Half57-68Jabez Jenkins makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-68Owen Dease makes 24-foot three point jumper (Rakim Chaney assists)
- 2nd Half62-68JT Pettigrew makes layup
- 2nd Half62-70Sam Orme makes layup
- 2nd Half63-70Rakim Chaney makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-70Rakim Chaney makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-70Owen Dease makes 24-foot three point jumper (JT Pettigrew assists)
- 2nd Half68-70Owen Dease makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-70Owen Dease makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-72Drew Scharnowski makes layup
- 2nd Half72-72Rakim Chaney makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half72-74Eoin Dillon makes 11-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half74-74Shon Tupuola makes 4-foot dunk (Rakim Chaney assists)
- 2nd Half74-76Drew Scharnowski makes 4-foot hook shot (Eoin Dillon assists)
- 2nd Half74-77Tyler Lundblade makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-78Tyler Lundblade makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Belmont Bruins, below favours Valparaiso Beacons.
Venue
- Curb Event Center ArenaNashville, TN
- Attendance1648
- OfficialsTyler Kumpf, Ervin Wilson, Chance Moore
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