Bradley Braves Defeat Valparaiso Beacons 72-65
Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Carver Arena
Bradley Braves 72, Valparaiso Beacons 65, 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 Bradley Braves?
Bradley Braves beat Valparaiso Beacons 72-65 at Carver Arena on February 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Valparaiso Beacons vs Bradley Braves?
Bradley Braves were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -410 (about 80% implied). The favorite won.
In a competitive matchup at Carver Arena, the Bradley Braves secured a victory over the Valparaiso Beacons with a final score of 72-65. This win marks Bradley's continued dominance over Valparaiso, as they have now won all three meetings between the two teams this season. The Braves' victory is particularly noteworthy given their strong home record of 16-8, while the Beacons fell to 11-12 on the season.
Bradley entered this game with a recent form of 6-4 over their last ten games, including a one-game winning streak. They have averaged 77.6 points scored per game during this stretch, while allowing an average of 78.1 points. In their last five games, they maintained a record of 3-2, with an average of 77.6 points scored and 80.8 points allowed. Their performance at home has been solid, with a 4-1 record in their last five games.
On the other side, Valparaiso has also been performing decently, posting a 5-5 record in their last ten games, with their most recent game resulting in a win. They have averaged 69.0 points scored and allowed in that span. Their last five games show a record of 3-2, with an average of 70.0 points scored and 67.0 points allowed. However, their away record has been less impressive, standing at 1-4.
The Braves have shown a consistent advantage in their previous meetings with the Beacons, winning all three encounters this season. In their most recent matchup on March 8, 2025, Bradley won 70-65 at home. Earlier in the season, they also secured victories with scores of 76-65 and 81-75, showcasing their ability to outperform Valparaiso.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but it is essential to consider how each team's roster may have been affected leading into this game. The absence of key players can significantly impact performance, particularly in close matchups like this one.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Bradley favored by 7.5 points with a moneyline of -410. Valparaiso was listed at +320 on the moneyline, indicating that the market expected Bradley to win. The total points for the game were set at 144.5, with both the over and under priced at -110. These odds reflect the competitive nature of the matchup, as well as the scoring capabilities of both teams.
Conditions at Carver Arena were conducive to a high-energy game, and the atmosphere likely played a role in the Braves' performance. Fans were treated to a display of skill and determination from both teams, making for an engaging contest.
As the game unfolded, key scoring plays included Ahmet Jonovic's crucial free throws and a series of jump shots that kept the momentum in Bradley's favor. The Braves were able to maintain a lead in the second half, with significant contributions from players like Montana Wheeler and Owen Dease, who made pivotal shots that helped secure the win.
Overall, this matchup showcased the strength of the Bradley Braves at home and their ability to continue their winning streak against the Valparaiso Beacons. With this victory, Bradley solidifies their position in the league and continues to build on their successful season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BRAD -7.5 | 144.5 o -110 / u -110 | Valparaiso Beacons +320 · Bradley Braves -410 |
Leaders
- PointsMontana Wheeler18Bradley Braves
- AssistsMontana Wheeler3Bradley Braves
- ReboundsKai Yu7Bradley Braves
- PointsJustus McNair17Valparaiso Beacons
- AssistsRakim Chaney2Valparaiso Beacons
- ReboundsOwen Dease5Valparaiso Beacons
Recent form
Bradley Braves
Last 10: 6-4Streak W177.6 scored · 78.1 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W87-73at Drake BulldogsJan 31
- L70-85vs UIC FlamesJan 25
- W75-68vs Indiana State SycamoresJan 22
- L62-88at Illinois State RedbirdsJan 17
- W94-90at Evansville Purple AcesJan 14
- W75-69vs Northern Iowa PanthersJan 10
- W93-66vs Drake BulldogsJan 8
- L66-86at Murray State RacersJan 4
- L78-88at Belmont BruinsJan 2
- W76-68vs Evansville Purple AcesDec 30
Valparaiso Beacons
Last 10: 5-5Streak W169 scored · 69 allowed per game1-4 away
- W76-72at Indiana State SycamoresJan 31
- L77-78vs Belmont BruinsJan 29
- W69-63vs Southern Illinois SalukisJan 22
- W54-44vs Northern Iowa PanthersJan 17
- L74-78at Belmont BruinsJan 14
- 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
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 | Bradley Braves |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-57 | 27-56 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 7-18 | 7-21 |
| Three-point % | 39 | 33 |
| Free throws | 4-10 | 11-16 |
| Free throw % | 40 | 69 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 25 |
| Assists | 9 | 9 |
| Steals | 7 | 6 |
| Blocks | 2 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 32 |
| Fouls | 16 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 14 |
| Lead changes | 13 | 13 |
| Time in front | 10 | 83 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half29-31Dietrich Richardson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half29-32Dietrich Richardson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half29-34Alex Huibregtse makes driving layup
- 1st Half31-34Carter Hopoi makes layup (Sader Servilus assists)
- 1st Half31-36Ahmet Jonovic makes 4-foot dunk (Montana Wheeler assists)
- 1st Half33-36Justus McNair makes 17-foot jumper
- 1st Half33-38Dietrich Richardson makes 16-foot jumper
- 1st Half33-40Montana Wheeler makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half35-40Brody Whitaker makes layup
- 2nd Half35-43Alex Huibregtse makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ahmet Jonovic assists)
- 2nd Half37-43Shon Tupuola makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Rakim Chaney assists)
- 2nd Half37-45AJ Smith makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half37-47Kai Yu makes 7-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half40-47Justus McNair makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tucker Tornatta assists)
- 2nd Half40-49Ahmet Jonovic makes layup
- 2nd Half42-49Owen Dease makes driving layup
- 2nd Half42-51Montana Wheeler makes driving layup
- 2nd Half43-51Tucker Tornatta makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-53Jaquan Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-53JT Pettigrew makes 6-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half45-56Corey Thomas makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaquan Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half45-58Jaquan Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-59Jaquan Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-59Owen Dease makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half49-59Sader Servilus makes layup (Owen Dease assists)
- 2nd Half49-61Montana Wheeler makes 6-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half50-61Rakim Chaney makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-61Rakim Chaney makes 27-foot three point jumper (Justus McNair assists)
- 2nd Half53-64Montana Wheeler makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jaquan Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half55-64Carter Hopoi makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half55-65Jaquan Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-65Rakim Chaney makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-66Ahmet Jonovic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-67Ahmet Jonovic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-69Ahmet Jonovic makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half59-69Justus McNair makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half59-71Timoty van der Knaap makes layup (Montana Wheeler assists)
- 2nd Half62-71Owen Dease makes 22-foot three point jumper (Brody Whitaker assists)
- 2nd Half65-71Owen Dease makes 23-foot three point jumper (Rakim Chaney assists)
- 2nd Half65-72Montana Wheeler makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Bradley Braves, below favours Valparaiso Beacons.
Venue
- Carver ArenaPeoria, IL
- Attendance5397
- OfficialsTony Padilla, Joe Lindsay, Marques Pettigrew
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