Valparaiso Beacons Defeat Drake Bulldogs 81-76
Monday, February 9, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Knapp Center
Valparaiso Beacons 81, Drake Bulldogs 76, 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 Drake Bulldogs?
Valparaiso Beacons beat Drake Bulldogs 81-76 at Knapp Center on February 9, 2026.
Who was favored in Valparaiso Beacons vs Drake Bulldogs?
Drake Bulldogs were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -175 (about 64% implied). The underdog won.
In an exciting matchup at the Knapp Center, the Valparaiso Beacons triumphed over the Drake Bulldogs with a final score of 81-76. This victory marks Valparaiso's third consecutive win, improving their overall record to 14-12, while Drake's record falls to 12-15. The game was a crucial contest for both teams, as they seek to improve their standings in the NCAAB league.
Drake entered the game with a record of 12-14, having struggled recently with a 4-6 record in their last ten games and currently on a three-game losing streak. Their average scoring during this stretch was 78.3 points per game, but they also allowed an average of 82.4 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. In contrast, Valparaiso's recent form has been more favorable, with a 6-4 record in their last ten games and currently on a one-game winning streak. They averaged 70.7 points scored while allowing only 69.2 points during this period.
At home, Drake has a record of 2-2 over their last four games, while Valparaiso has been strong on the road with a 5-1 record in their last six away games. The previous meetings between these two teams have favored Drake, who won both encounters in the 2025 season, including a victory at home on January 23, 2025, with a score of 81-71.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but any absence of key players could have a significant impact on the game's outcome. The market had priced the game with Drake as 3.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, with a total set at 144.5 points. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, but ultimately, Valparaiso's performance exceeded expectations.
The game conditions were conducive to a high-paced contest, with both teams showing moments of offensive brilliance. Valparaiso's scoring plays included a critical three-point jumper from JT Pettigrew, assisted by Brody Whitaker, which helped to secure their lead late in the second half. The Beacons capitalized on their opportunities, particularly at the free-throw line, where Sader Servilus made two crucial free throws to extend their lead to five points.
As the game progressed, the tension mounted, with both teams exchanging leads in the final minutes. However, Valparaiso's ability to execute under pressure proved decisive. Jalen Quinn's contributions, including critical free throws, and Brody Whitaker's scoring efforts were instrumental in the Beacons' victory.
Viewers should note the contrasting styles of play, with Drake's high-scoring offense often overshadowed by their defensive lapses, while Valparaiso's more balanced approach allowed them to control the pace and make key plays when it mattered most. The outcome of this game not only affects the standings but also sets the tone for the remainder of the season for both teams.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DRKE -3.5 | 144.5 o -110 / u -110 | Valparaiso Beacons +145 · Drake Bulldogs -175 |
Leaders
- PointsJalen Quinn33Drake Bulldogs
- AssistsJalen Quinn3Drake Bulldogs
- ReboundsAndrew Alia7Drake Bulldogs
- PointsJT Pettigrew23Valparaiso Beacons
- AssistsShon Tupuola3Valparaiso Beacons
- ReboundsJT Pettigrew12Valparaiso Beacons
Recent form
Drake Bulldogs
Last 10: 4-6Streak L378.3 scored · 82.4 allowed per game2-2 at home
- 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
- L67-74at UIC FlamesJan 17
- W76-73at Southern Illinois SalukisJan 15
- L76-78vs Belmont BruinsJan 10
- L66-93at Bradley BravesJan 8
Valparaiso Beacons
Last 10: 6-4Streak W170.7 scored · 69.2 allowed per game1-3 away
- 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
- 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
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 | Drake Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-54 | 30-69 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 9-22 | 7-27 |
| Three-point % | 41 | 26 |
| Free throws | 18-27 | 9-14 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 64 |
| Rebounds | 42 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 14 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 20 |
| Assists | 11 | 8 |
| Steals | 3 | 4 |
| Blocks | 2 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 6 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 6 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 36 |
| Fouls | 17 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 32 | 50 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half47-45JT Pettigrew makes layup
- 2nd Half48-45JT Pettigrew makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half48-48Jalen Quinn makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half50-48Rakim Chaney makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half50-50Jalen Quinn makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half50-53Eli Shetlar makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jalen Quinn assists)
- 2nd Half50-55Jalen Quinn makes layup
- 2nd Half53-55Rakim Chaney makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half53-58Eli Shetlar makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jalen Quinn assists)
- 2nd Half53-60Isaiah Carr makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half54-60Carter Hopoi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-60Rakim Chaney makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half59-60Justus McNair makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-62Isaiah Carr makes layup
- 2nd Half60-62JT Pettigrew makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-64Jalen Quinn makes 11-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half62-64JT Pettigrew makes 13-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half63-64JT Pettigrew makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half63-65Jalen Quinn makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-66Jalen Quinn makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-66Brody Whitaker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-66Brody Whitaker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-66JT Pettigrew makes layup (Shon Tupuola assists)
- 2nd Half67-68Isaiah Carr makes layup
- 2nd Half67-69Isaiah Carr makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-70Isaiah Carr makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-70Rakim Chaney makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-72Jalen Quinn makes 20-foot jumper
- 2nd Half69-72Brody Whitaker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-72Brody Whitaker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-72Brody Whitaker makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half72-73Jalen Quinn makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-74Jalen Quinn makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-74Brody Whitaker makes 15-foot jumper
- 2nd Half74-76Jalen Quinn makes driving layup
- 2nd Half75-76Brody Whitaker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-76Brody Whitaker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-76JT Pettigrew makes 25-foot three point jumper (Brody Whitaker assists)
- 2nd Half80-76Sader Servilus makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-76Sader Servilus makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Drake Bulldogs, below favours Valparaiso Beacons.
Venue
- Knapp CenterDes Moines, IA
- Attendance3078
- OfficialsBret Smith, Brooks Wells
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- Valparaiso Edges Drake in Thrilling FinishFeb 25, 2026