NCAAB · Final

Evansville Edges Valparaiso in Thrilling Finish

Saturday, February 28, 2026, 4:00 PM ET · Ford Center

Evansville Purple Aces 80, Valparaiso Beacons 79, 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 Evansville Purple Aces?

Evansville Purple Aces beat Valparaiso Beacons 80-79 at Ford Center on February 28, 2026.

Who was favored in Valparaiso Beacons vs Evansville Purple Aces?

Valparaiso Beacons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -238 (about 70% implied). The underdog won.

In a nail-biting contest at the Ford Center, the Evansville Purple Aces narrowly defeated the Valparaiso Beacons with a final score of 80-79. This matchup was particularly compelling given the contrasting recent forms of both teams, as Evansville had been struggling while Valparaiso was riding a four-game winning streak. The victory for Evansville improves their record to 8-23, while Valparaiso falls to 17-15.

Evansville's recent form had been concerning, entering the game with a record of 1-8-1 over their last ten outings, including a four-game losing streak. They averaged just 59.2 points per game while allowing 74.3 points. Their last game ended in a significant loss against the Belmont Bruins, where they fell 64-98. In contrast, Valparaiso had been performing well, with a record of 7-3 in their last ten games, averaging 73.3 points scored and allowing 73.2 points. Their last outing saw them secure a 74-71 victory against the Drake Bulldogs.

The home and away records further highlighted the disparity between the two teams. Evansville had a home record of 1-2 in their last three games, while Valparaiso boasted a solid away record of 3-2. Historically, Evansville had won two of their last three meetings against Valparaiso, including a 79-69 victory earlier in the 2025 season.

In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any players missing from either team, indicating that both squads were likely at full strength for this crucial matchup. The betting lines provided by DraftKings indicated that Valparaiso was a 5.5-point favorite, with a total set at 137.5. The moneyline odds were +195 for Evansville and -238 for Valparaiso, reflecting the expectation of a close contest.

The conditions at the Ford Center were typical for a late February evening, with a lively atmosphere as fans gathered to support their teams. The game featured several key moments, particularly in the second half, where the score remained tight throughout. Notable scoring plays included AJ Casey's crucial three-point jumper that put Evansville ahead late in the game, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

As the game progressed, the tension built, with both teams exchanging leads. Valparaiso's JT Pettigrew made a layup to tie the game at 74, but Evansville responded with a series of free throws and critical shots that ultimately secured their victory. This game served as a testament to Evansville's resilience, overcoming their recent struggles to claim a vital win against a formidable opponent.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	VAL -5.5	137.5 o -115 / u -105	Valparaiso Beacons -238 · Evansville Purple Aces +195

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

Leaders

PointsAJ Casey37Evansville Purple Aces
AssistsLeif Moeller11Evansville Purple Aces
ReboundsAJ Casey11Evansville Purple Aces
PointsJT Pettigrew17Valparaiso Beacons
AssistsRakim Chaney5Valparaiso Beacons
ReboundsJT Pettigrew6Valparaiso Beacons

Recent form

Evansville Purple Aces

Last 10: 1-8-1Streak L459.2 scored · 74.3 allowed per game1-2 at home

L64-98at Belmont BruinsFeb 26
L75-88at Murray State RacersFeb 21
L46-84vs UIC FlamesFeb 19
L60-86at Southern Illinois SalukisFeb 13
W88-80vs Illinois State RedbirdsFeb 10
L63-70at Valparaiso BeaconsFeb 7
L63-84vs Indiana State SycamoresFeb 4
L55-71at Northern Iowa PanthersJan 31
L78-82at Drake BulldogsJan 29
D0-0vs Southern Illinois SalukisJan 25

Valparaiso Beacons

Last 10: 7-3Streak W473.3 scored · 73.2 allowed per game3-2 away

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
L77-78vs Belmont BruinsJan 29

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	Evansville Purple Aces
Field goals	23-53	25-53
Field goal %	43	47
Three-pointers	9-21	9-18
Three-point %	43	50
Free throws	24-28	21-22
Free throw %	86	95
Rebounds	29	32
Offensive rebounds	5	4
Defensive rebounds	24	28
Assists	16	16
Steals	7	6
Blocks	0	3
Turnovers	6	9
Team turnovers	0	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	4	6
Fast-break points	2	2
Points in the paint	24	30
Fouls	20	21
Largest lead	9	8
Lead changes	5	5
Time in front	62	29

How the scoring went

2nd Half52-50JT Pettigrew makes layup (Tucker Tornatta assists)
2nd Half52-53Alex Hemenway makes 23-foot three point jumper (Leif Moeller assists)
2nd Half54-53JT Pettigrew makes layup (Shon Tupuola assists)
2nd Half54-54AJ Casey makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half54-55AJ Casey makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half54-57AJ Casey makes layup (Leif Moeller assists)
2nd Half56-57Justus McNair makes 15-foot jumper (Shon Tupuola assists)
2nd Half56-58Leif Moeller makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half56-59Leif Moeller makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half57-59Brody Whitaker makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half58-59Brody Whitaker makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half58-61Kaia Berridge makes layup (AJ Casey assists)
2nd Half58-64Bryce Quinet makes 25-foot three point jumper (Leif Moeller assists)
2nd Half58-65Joshua Hughes makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half58-66Joshua Hughes makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half59-66Rakim Chaney makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half60-66JT Pettigrew makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half61-66JT Pettigrew makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half61-67AJ Casey makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half61-68AJ Casey makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half64-68Owen Dease makes 26-foot three point jumper (Brody Whitaker assists)
2nd Half64-70AJ Casey makes layup (Leif Moeller assists)
2nd Half65-70JT Pettigrew makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half65-72Leif Moeller makes layup
2nd Half65-73Leif Moeller makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half66-73Sader Servilus makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half67-73Sader Servilus makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half68-73Sader Servilus makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half69-73JT Pettigrew makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half70-73JT Pettigrew makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half71-73Justus McNair makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half72-73Justus McNair makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half72-74AJ Casey makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half74-74JT Pettigrew makes layup (Rakim Chaney assists)
2nd Half75-74JT Pettigrew makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half76-74Justus McNair makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half77-74Justus McNair makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half77-77AJ Casey makes 24-foot three point jumper (Leif Moeller assists)
2nd Half79-77Brody Whitaker makes 12-foot jumper
2nd Half79-80AJ Casey makes 23-foot three point jumper

Win probability

Above the line favours Evansville Purple Aces, below favours Valparaiso Beacons.